Cesc Fàbregas has ended the summer's most protracted transfer speculation by confirming that he is totally focused on playing for Arsenal this season.
Fábregas' future has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Barcelona making clear in public terms their desire to bring him back to his homeland and the 23-year-old admitted on several occasions that he would welcome a switch to the Camp Nou.
However, the matter was finally laid to rest on Friday when Fábregas came out and committed himself to Arsenal after the Gunners rejected a second and final bid from the Catalan giants a day earlier.
Fábregas admitted he was tempted to rejoin his Barcelona but conceded that his dream return to his boyhood club was not going to happen, at least for now.
The World Cup winner told The Sun: "This whole situation only arose because it is Barça and I have never made any secret of what that club means to me.
"Who would not be flattered when the world's greatest club and one of the world's best managers are desperately trying to sign you?
"I would be lying if I said that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.
"Remember 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.
"And, let's be honest, there are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona."
He added: "Barça made two big offers for me and that showed how much they really wanted me.
"But Arsenal showed how much they wanted to keep me by turning both of those offers down.
"Of course I felt bad for the Arsenal fans as I didn't know what was going to happen but today it has all become clear.
"The Barcelona deal is dead. It is gone now and I have to face up to that, to accept it. And I can do that, I will do that.
"The bottom line is Arsenal wouldn't sell, which is their prerogative because I have a long contract with the club.
"I am a professional so I know and understand that. I am a professional and I will respect that. I am a professional and so I remain totally committed to this club.
"Anyone who thinks I will no longer try my best for Arsenal just does not know me.
"I have strong feelings for this club too - I owe a lot to this club, the manager and the fans.
"That's why I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.
"I can assure all the fans that I will be 100 percent focused on playing for Arsenal just the same as always. All I am thinking of now is helping Arsenal to a successful season.
"So I will carry on trying to play at my very best to help us try to win every game."
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Fábregas' future has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Barcelona making clear in public terms their desire to bring him back to his homeland and the 23-year-old admitted on several occasions that he would welcome a switch to the Camp Nou.
However, the matter was finally laid to rest on Friday when Fábregas came out and committed himself to Arsenal after the Gunners rejected a second and final bid from the Catalan giants a day earlier.
Fábregas admitted he was tempted to rejoin his Barcelona but conceded that his dream return to his boyhood club was not going to happen, at least for now.
The World Cup winner told The Sun: "This whole situation only arose because it is Barça and I have never made any secret of what that club means to me.
"Who would not be flattered when the world's greatest club and one of the world's best managers are desperately trying to sign you?
"I would be lying if I said that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.
"Remember 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.
"And, let's be honest, there are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona."
He added: "Barça made two big offers for me and that showed how much they really wanted me.
"But Arsenal showed how much they wanted to keep me by turning both of those offers down.
"Of course I felt bad for the Arsenal fans as I didn't know what was going to happen but today it has all become clear.
"The Barcelona deal is dead. It is gone now and I have to face up to that, to accept it. And I can do that, I will do that.
"The bottom line is Arsenal wouldn't sell, which is their prerogative because I have a long contract with the club.
"I am a professional so I know and understand that. I am a professional and I will respect that. I am a professional and so I remain totally committed to this club.
"Anyone who thinks I will no longer try my best for Arsenal just does not know me.
"I have strong feelings for this club too - I owe a lot to this club, the manager and the fans.
"That's why I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.
"I can assure all the fans that I will be 100 percent focused on playing for Arsenal just the same as always. All I am thinking of now is helping Arsenal to a successful season.
"So I will carry on trying to play at my very best to help us try to win every game."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
- Arsène Wenger tells Cesc Fábregas: Say you'll stay!
- Fàbregas: My internal struggle with Barça interest
- Puyol accuses Arsenal of not showing respect to Fàbregas
- Arsène Wenger's fury over Cesc Fábregas saga
- Cesc Fábregas on verge of Arsenal stay
- Messi & Busquets wants Fàbregas deal
- Andrés Iniesta wants Barcelona to bring Cesc Fàbregas home
- Fàbregas will certainly leave Arsenal, says Martin Keown
- Arsenal 'resolutely reject' Barcelona's bid for Cesc Fábregas
- Barcelona make first bid to sign Cesc Fàbregas
- Cesc Fábregas' future in the hands of Arsène Wenger
- Fàbregas will stay with Arsenal - Robert Pires
- Former Arsenal manager blasts Cesc Fàbregas
- Cesc Fábregas nears Barcelona return?
- Joan Laporta: Cesc Fàbregas has Barcelona DNA
- Piqué: Cesc will end up wearing Barcelona shirt
