Fabregas happy to stay put

Midfield ace says he is going nowhere

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 6th September 2007

Fabregas happy to stay put

Fabregas: Real offer

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Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has rejected suggestions that he has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid next season.

The classy midfielder claims he turned down an offer from Real Madrid in the summer to stay at Emirates Stadium.

Real have held a long-term interest in the former Barcelona youngster, with coach Bernd Schuster confirming his admiration for the player earlier this summer.

Fabregas, who has made an impressive start to the new season, has revealed he held talks with Real officials over the summer before deciding to stay in North London.

Talks

"The president Ramon Calderon and sport director Predrag Mijatovic have spoken to me, but finally I decided to follow on with my commitment to Arsenal," Fabregas told Radio Marca.

"It is not true that I have given them my word [to join] for next season.

"The meeting was pleasant and I believe that they are good and very sincere people.

"I am very happy at Arsenal and I go 100 per cent with the decision I took, although I praise the interest of Real in me."

The Spanish international also revealed that his respect for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and the club as a whole, made him reject Real's overtures.

Respect
"My decision to stay in London was clear," added Fabregas. "There were many reasons especially my respect for Wenger and the love I have for Arsenal.

"I am very content with the decision that I took."