Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has put a definite conclusion to the summer transfer sage surrounding him after finally publicly committing to the Gunners, much to the relief of manager Arsene Wenger.
The Spanish midfielder has been the target of La Liga champions Barcelona even before the end of last season, with the Catalan giants launching a very public campaign targeted to unnerve the Gunners and unsettle their skipper. However, Fabregas revealed that his club had already rejected two formal bids from Barca and that he will now draw a line under the whole situation – at least until next summer comes along.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I’ve not known what I was going to do until this moment.” the statement from Fabregas – released on the club’s official website – begun.
“I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me. This was the club I learned my football, my hometown, where all my friends and family are and a club I have always dreamed of playing.
“There’s 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 telephone in the last few months. And although the contents of those conversations will remain private the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.
“I am a professional and fully understand that is Arsenal’s prerogative not to sell me.
“I owe a lot to the club, the manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.
“I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations are 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 this is the only club I will be thinking about. I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting all of this speculation behind me.”
Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas, English Premier League, La Liga, transfer news
