Fabregas to stay at Arsenal this season

LONDON (AP):

Cesc Fabregas ended Barcelona's hopes of signing him in time for the new season, when he confirmed yesterday that he will stay at Arsenal despite being interested in the transfer.

"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was an attractive move for me," Fabregas said in a statement. "This was the club where I learnt my football. It is my hometown where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing."

Fabregas, who helped Spain win the World Cup in South Africa, talked over the move with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who repeatedly said in public that he would not sell his captain to Barcelona.

The Spanish champions made their initial offer in June before the World Cup.

Decision regretted

"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," Barcelona said. "None of those offers, in any way, exceeded €40 million ($52 million)."

Fabregas has five years remaining on his Arsenal contract.

"I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me," Fabregas said. "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 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal."

Fabregas apologised to Arsenal's fans for not publicly committing to the club earlier but said he had only just decided to stay. He stopped short of saying he would remain beyond the 2010-11 season.