By Fab4.
Cesc Fabregas has ended speculation about his future after releasing a statement confirming he will be staying at Arsenal this season. The Gunners captain has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with the Spanish champions having two bids turned down during the summer, but Fabregas returned to train with his team-mates yesterday and has now committed his immediate future to the Arsenal.
He tols sky spots news: ‘Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment,
‘I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.
‘This was the club where I learned my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing.
‘There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.
‘I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.
‘I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal’s perogative not to sell me.
‘I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.
‘I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal.
‘I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.
‘I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me.’
More to follow….
