Cesc Fabregas has said that he knew he would be under pressure immediately after signing for Barcelona.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been criticised for his performances as of late, with some claiming that the burden of being at Barca is adversely affecting him.

However, Fabregas has rubbished the suggestions and claimed he knew that the weight of expectation was on him as soon as he signed in the summer of 2011.

"It looks like the entire world has all of a sudden decided to say that the pressure is getting to me," said Fabregas.

"I knew that there would be pressure to perform when I got here, I'm not stupid. I knew what to expect at Barca. I'm competing with players such as Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi. They are the best players in the world.

"Every player goes through good times and bad times, but you have to fight for your spot. I have always done just that and will continue to do so. You have to accept certain things in football."

Fabregas was part of the Spanish squad that won the 2012 European Championships.