Cesc Fábregas has said that the ball is now firmly in Arsenal's court over his possible move to Barcelona and that his future rests in the hands of Arsène Wenger.

Barcelona confirmed this week that they have made initial contact over a possible deal, with reports suggesting Fábregas had asked Arsenal to be allowed to move. The player's father, Francesc, was quoted as saying his son "wants the signing to be closed as soon as possible ... I don't know how this is going to end up, but I think that we need to respect the decision and the will of the player."

But the Spain midfielder says he has held positive talks with Wenger, and has left the manager to decide what happens next.

Fábregas, also the Arsenal captain, said: "I will say only one thing – I have got massive respect for Arsène Wenger, Arsenal football club and the Arsenal fans. Even in my own house, I have not felt as loved as I have at Arsenal. I had a long conversation with Arsène and it was the greatest [longest] conversation I have had with anyone in my life.

"I respect him, so, so much and I don't want to say anything more. Wenger said to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in the future. It is now all about Arsenal – it is not in my hands. Now I just wait: it is up to Arsenal. Right now all I am thinking about is the World Cup: everything else is the future and I am not going to say anything else."

Asked about his injury concerns, Fábregas said: "It was really disappointing to miss the last two months of the season: we were fighting for the league and the Champions League and to miss that is never great, especially as I felt I was in the best form of my career."

Fábregas Sr had said: "Arsenal have to respect the decision and the will of the player. Cesc is now focused on the Spanish team but he wants to close the signing soon. I get the feeling that the English club do not want to sell but in the end will finally give in and let Cesc go. We just want this to end soon."