Cesc Fabregas insists he is "100 per cent focused" on playing for Arsenal after the London club rejected two offers from Barcelona this summer.
The Gunners captain's future has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Barca making clear in public terms their desire to bring him back to the Nou Camp after coming through the Catalan club's academy.
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However, his immediate future now appears to be at the Emirates Stadium and he said: "I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me. I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal."
" I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal."
Fabregas admitted a move to Barcelona had been an appealing prospect, but that he respected the club's decision to hold on to a player who is under contract until 2014.
He added: "Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.
"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me. This was the club where I learnt my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing.
"There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona. I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.
"I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about. I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me."
Source: PA
