Fabregas was at the centre of one of the biggest non-transfer sagas this summer, with La Liga champions Barcelona making multiple bids to lure the Spaniard away from the Emirates.

Despite pleas and at time outrageous statements from Barca authorities and players, Arsenal refused to give in - making sure their talisman stays at least for one more season.

Now Fabregas himself is eager to draw a line under the whole affair.

In comments reported by Sport.es, he said: "Barcelona made every effort to sign me, but Arsenal had told me to stay, which in no way I was going to refuse, and in the end I had to stay."

He refused to comment on speculations in the Spanish media that he will be a Barcelona player for sure next season.

"What happens in the future? We'll see. I do not think of anything because if I think of the future it would not let me focus on the present and I would have a bad year."

After a long lay-off following the World Cup, Fabregas is gradually getting back to full match-fitness and is expected to play a pivotal role in Arsenal's campaign.