Mathieu Flamini has told Cesc Fabregas to "do what he really wants" over the tug-of-war for him between Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Gunners are desperately trying to hold onto their captain after turning down a bid by the club from which they took him as a teenager.
Flamini found himself in a not dissimilar position when he quit the Emirates two years ago to join AC Milan.
The French midfielder controversially rejected a new deal with Arsenal and left on a free transfer.
It was a big blow at the time to the London club but the loss of Fabregas would be felt even more keenly.
Asked if he had any advice for his ex-team-mate, Flamini - speaking to promote this weekend's Emirates Cup which will see him face his former club tomorrow - said: "I would tell him to to 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 himself 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.
He added: "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 Barclays Premier League one day, saying: "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's hasn't given us his full potential."
But Allegri also revealed the club were in the market for another midfielder, which may further restrict Flamini's chances of first-team action.
He said: "We need a third midfielder and I think the club and (vice-president Adriano) Galliani has been quite explicit about it."