Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has insisted that teammate Cesc Fabregas is happy at the club, despite speculation suggesting that the midfielder was unsettled.

Fabregas claimed that he was unhappy with his minor role in the early parts of this season but dismissed rumours that he would leave Catalonia in the near future, a statement that doesn't surprise Pique.

The Spaniard said: "We've had three La Liga fixtures and the rumours have already started about whether he will go out on loan in January.

"The world of football is too impatient and tries to knock you down for the slightest thing. He seems relaxed and happy to me and I'm sure he's going to have a spectacular season.

"Cesc is the one in the firing line now and, in a month's time, someone else will be."

Fabregas recently revealed his anger with the Spanish media because of the criticism to which he has been subjected.