London: Cesc Fabregas has revealed the depth of his torment over a proposed move to Barcelona, describing himself as a "Gunner" and Arsene Wenger as his "second father".
Wenger had a heart-to-heart conversation with his captain shortly before the World Cup at which Fabregas expressed a desire to return to the city of his birth. Arsenal have since rejected a formal offer of £29.2 million (Dh167.4 million) from Barcelona and are now refusing to enter negotiations with the La Liga champions.
With Barcelona restrained financially amid debts of £368 million, there is an increasing feeling at Arsenal that the battle to keep Fabregas has been won for at least this transfer window. Fabregas is due to report back for pre-season training at Arsenal next Thursday and is resigned to the possibility that he will spend the next year at the Emirates.
"I'm a Barca fan, I'm a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin. I have felt the colours from a young age, I'm Catalan," said Fabregas. "However, I'm the captain of Arsenal, I'm a Gunner, and I have become a player there and matured as a person."
Fabregas described the conversation with Wenger about his future as "one of the best" he has had with anyone in his life and clearly retains a deep personal loyalty. "He is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father," he said.
"He has taken me in like a son. I am part of his family. He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset."
Long-term policy
Wenger's determination to keep Fabregas centres on his belief that the long-term policy of investing particular energy in developing young players will pay dividends this season.
His key priorities are to buy one more central defender and a goalkeeper, with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker and Everton centre-back Phil Jagielka among the targets.
"I am very confident [we'll do better than last season]," said Wenger.
Meanwhile, David Beckham has ruled out the possibility of leaving American Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy for West Ham. David Gold, the West Ham co-owner, revealed recently that he and David Sullivan had entertained the idea of signing the 35 year-old and said discussions have taken place with the player's agent.
"It is a possibility," Gold said. "He's promised he will give every consideration to the possibility of joining us."
However, a spokesman for Beckham denied the rumours. "Whilst it's flattering to hear of interest there has been no contact with, or offer from West Ham. David is happy at the Los Angeles Galaxy and has no interest in leaving, and is looking forward to returning to the team on August 9," said the spokesman.
