Arsenal

Spanish champions Barcelona have been desperate to bring Fabregas back to Camp Nou, with the 23-year-old starting his career at youth level with the Catalan giants, but have failed in two bids to bring Fabregas to La Liga.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had been adamant that the gifted playmaker was going nowhere, but the Frenchman was eager to stress it was down to Fabregas to end the speculation and commit himself to the Gunners.

The World Cup winner had previously failed to release any definitive statement regarding his future, often stating he was an Arsenal player but failing to rule out the possibility he would make the switch to Barca.  However, Fabregas has now confirmed he will stay at Arsenal for the coming campaign and apologised to the club’s fans, although he didn’t rule out a move to Spain in the future.

“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 Fabregas.”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 the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.”

Arsenal are gunning for their first piece of silverware since the 2005 FA Cup and Fabregas will be vital if the Gunners are to end their trophy drought.  Some have suggested he may struggle to replicate his previous form following the constant rumours surrounding his future but the Spain star insists his displays for Arsenal will not be affected by the lengthy transfer saga.

He added: “I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100% 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.”

Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield in their Premier League opener on Sunday August 15 in the pick of the opening round fixtures (Match Betting – Liverpool 5/4, draw 23/10, Arsenal 7/4).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.