Cesc Fàbregas: I’m 100% focused on playing for Arsenal

Cesc Fàbregas has put an end to speculation over his future by announcing he is staying at Arsenal.

The Gunners skipper has long been linked with a move back to Barcelona, but Arsenal rejected two bids from the Catalan club over the summer.

Fàbregas, 23, admitted he would have loved a move back to the Camp Nou, but now says he is “100 percent focused on playing for Arsenal” and “looking forward to the start of the season”.

“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,” said Fàbregas.

“I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me. This was the club where I learnt 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 this world who would not want to play for Barcelona.

“I have had many conversations with Arsène 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.

He added: “I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal’s prerogative 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 percent 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.”