Fabregas’ announcement provides timely boost to Gunners
The timing could not have been better; with the release of statement by Fabregas in which he committed his future at Emirates, all the speculations surrounding the Spaniard will now die their natural death. The 24 year-old Fabregas was linked to Barcelona all summer. With Spain winning the World Cup in South Africa, rumours surrounding his departure from London were further fuelled. Even, Barcelona were interested in the early phase as they gave two bids in the region of £30 million. However both of these bids were rejected by Arsene Wenger.
After a series of controversies, Fabregas has himself cleared the air by insisting that he will be staying with Arsenal. In the released statement, he said, “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. I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.”
Fabregas recounted the fact that growing up in Barcelona and playing in their youth academy was attracting him to go to Nou Camp. He said, “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.” He also seemed content with the role of Arsene Wenger in this affair. “I have had many conversations with Arsene 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 has had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal,” the World Cup winner, Fabregas said.
He praised the role Arsenal played in the development of him as a player. He also emphasized that now with mist removed, he will now be focusing on bringing trophies to the Emirates this season. Arsenal last won a trophy five years ago. He said, “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.” He assured his fans that with negotiations now ended, he will be focusing 100% on playing for Arsenal. He also said that he has put all speculation behind him and the pre-season fiasco will not affect his performance in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona also confirmed the ending of this row when they issued a statement lamenting the failure to sign Fabregas. The statement said: “In the light of the statement released today regarding the contractual future of Cesc Fabregas, FC Barcelona regrets the decision of Arsenal FC to declare the player not for sale and their decision not to take into consideration the offers proposed. None of those offers, in any way, exceeded 40 million Euros.”
The biggest winner from this ignominy is Arsene Wenger, who emerged victorious after retaining Fabregas despite multiple bids and public cajoling from Barcelona's players to release the Spaniard. With this victory, he is now focusing on the upcoming season. According to the Frenchman, Fabregas is essential for his team plan. Wenger believes that Fabregas is instrumental in lifting the confidence and morale of his players and even Gunner’s fans do not want Fabregas to leave London. He said, “When I was at the World Cup I met so many people in South Africa and the first thing I heard was 'Don't let Fabregas go'. That means it is a huge lift for everybody who loves the club.” With Fabregas certain to remain in Arsenal Camp for at least this season, Wenger now can focus on ending the trophy drought at Emirates, which has been haunting Gunners for the last five years.
Tags: