Fabregas should 'do what he really wants' - AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini has told Cesc Fábregas to "do what he really wants" over the tug-of-war for him between Arsenal and Barcelona. The Premier League club are desperately trying to hold on to their captain after turning down a bid by the team from which they took him as a teenager.

Flamini found himself in a not dissimilar position when he left the Emirates two years ago to join Milan. The French midfielder rejected a new contract with Arsenal and moved on a free transfer. It was a blow at the time to the north London club but the loss of Fábregas would be felt even more keenly.

Asked if he had any advice for his former team-mate, Flamini – speaking ahead of this weekend's Emirates Cup which will see him face his former club tomorrow – said: "I would tell him to do what he feels, because it's a very personal choice and I cannot advise anything. He will have to do what he really wants. If he stays or goes, I will support him because he is a friend."

Flamini also insisted he had no regrets about leaving Arsenal for Milan, despite admitting to frustration at a lack of first-team opportunities. He has been linked this summer with both Aston Villa and Newcastle but denied any knowledge of their reported interest.

"I didn't see that because I'm in Italy but they are two good clubs," he said. "Personally, I hope I'm going to play more than what I did in the last year. I hope this year will be better."

Flamini did, however, refuse to rule out a return to the Premier League one day. "I'm happy to be in Italy, it's a great championship and I'm having a lot of fun. But in football, you never know."

Flamini's new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, gave mixed messages today about the prospect of Flamini getting more game time this season. He said: "Flamini's a very good player, an important player. He hasn't given us his full potential."

But Allegri also added that the club were in the market for another midfielder, which may further restrict Flamini's chances of first-team action. "We need a third midfielder and I think the club and [vice-president Adriano] Galliani has been quite explicit about it."