Cesc Fabregas to Remain with Arsenal
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has vowed to remain at Arsenal for at least another season. The decision was announced on Friday after a discussion with manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday.
Wenger had been optimistic Fabregas would remain with the club going into the meeting, hoping his midfielder would follow the example set by Fernando Torres, who played alongside Fabregas on Spain's national team.
Torres recently declared his loyalty to Liverpool, despite the club's absence from the Champions League.
And now Fabregas, 23, has decided to remain at the club he has played for since 2003, despite widely reported interest from Spanish champions, Barcelona.
"I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger, both in person and over the telephone in the last few months," Fabregas told the Arsenal website.
"And although the contents of those conversations will remain private the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal."
The two bids have been reported to offer €35 million and €42m for Arsenal's playmaker.
Tempted by Barcelona Switch
During the summer, several of Barcelona's Spanish players have backed Fabregas to complete the move.
Fabregas admitted to having been tempted to return to the club he left for Arsenal at 16.
"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was 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," said Fabregas.
Fabregas also added that his focus is entirely on his performances for Arsenal, with whom he won the Premier League in 2004 and the FA Cup in 2005.
The midfielder was also integral to the club's 2005/2006 run in the Champions League, when it reached the final in Paris. There, the team suffered defeat to Barcelona.
Arsenal's Premier League season begins on August 15th, when the team faces Liverpool at Anfield.
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