Arsenal told me I had to stay: Fabregas

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he only stayed back at the club because he was given no choice.

"Barcelona did all that they could to sign me, but Arsenal told me I had to stay, that there was no way there were going to let me go," News of The World quoted Fabregas, as saying.

"In the end, I had to stay, but the content of my conversation with Arsene Wenger will remain private. We'll see what happens in the future," he added.

The 23-year-old further hinted that the suspense over his on-off departure will start again next summer, but promised fans that he would be completely focused this season.

"I have a very long year ahead of me. I will be professional and give everything. I will not think about anything else other than Arsenal," Fabregas said.

"If I start thinking about the future that will stop me being focused and I will have a bad year," he added.