Wenger: Huge lift over Fabregas Sunday, August 08, 2010
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger turned his attention to the start of the Premier League season after securing the future of talisman Cesc Fabregas.
The summer's most high-profile transfer saga appears to be over after Barcelona target Fabregas confirmed he is "100 per cent focused" on playing for the Gunners this season.
The 23-year-old captain committed himself to the London club for the 2010-11 campaign after saying that he respected their decision to reject two offers from Barca, who were keen to re-sign a player who had come through their academy system.
"He is our captain, he is our leader," Wenger told the club's official website.
"You could see in the training session how much a lift it is for everybody who loves Arsenal.
"When I was at the World Cup I met so many people in South Africa and the first thing I heard was 'Don't let Fabregas go'.
"That means it is a huge lift for everybody who loves the club."
Wenger declined to reveal any discussions he had with Fabregas, adding:
"The situation is as it is.
"I believe it is important in my job that I do not come out with private conversations I have with the players. That would be unfair.
"But Cesc has come out to clear the air. It was very important for us that Cesc did that clearly and that we can move on from now.
"We are one week away from the start of the season so just we want to be focused and settled now."
