Cesc Fabregas has revealed he has turned down a move to
Real Madrid and pledged his future to Arsenal.
The 20-year-old Spain midfield man has been linked with a return to
his native country after Thierry Henry left Arsenal for
Barcelona.
He said: "I'm very grateful to Real and it is an honour that such a
great club is interested in me.
"But after the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona I couldn't
leave Arsenal in the lurch."
Fabregas revealed he has spoken to the Real hierarchy, but was
persuaded to stay at Arsenal by manager Arsene Wenger.
He said: "I spoke to Real's president Ramon Calderon and sport
director Predrag Mijatovic and they are spectacular people.
"It was very satisfying to listen to them as Real Madrid is a great
club but I have decided to stay at Arsenal.
"I had a long talk with Wenger. He is someone I can talk to about
anything."
And he hinted that he believes Wenger will stay at Arsenal after
his contract expires at the end of next season.
Fabregas said: "I have total confidence in the boss that he will
sign a new deal.
"Wenger believes in this team and has a lot of confidence in the
squad.
"I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve
- and I want to do that with this team. I will try to win titles
with Arsenal and give my all to Arsene Wenger.
"I will always be grateful to him for giving me my chance."
Now Fabregas is hoping Arsenal continue to spend this summer to
help make up for the loss of Henry, and he believes the striker's
new Barcelona team-mate Samuel Eto'o would be the perfect
replacement. "I would try to sign Eto'o - he would be the ideal
replacement for Henry.
"I know it's difficult, maybe impossible, but it would be the
perfect solution."
