Updated 12.45
CESC FABREGAS IS finally returning to boyhood club Barcelona.
The Spaniard’s long-awaited transfer from Arsenal finally materialised last night when the two clubs announced they reached a preliminary agreement for the 24-year-old midfielder. The deal has since been completed, with Fabregas signing a contract following a medical exam at the Camp Nou.
Spanish media reports put the price of the transfer at around €40 million.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the club did not want to lose Fabregas.
“However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona,” the Frenchman said in a statement on Arsenal’s website.
Fabregas will return to the club that nurtured him before he joined Arsenal in 2003. He went on to become Arsenal’s youngest ever starter a month later at 16 and was made club captain in November 2008.
The 24-year-old star could make his debut on Wednesday at the Camp Nou as the Spanish champions welcome Real Madrid for the return leg of their Spanish Supercup series, which is at 2-2 after last night’s first leg.
“Tomorrow is the presentation and after that we see,” said Guardiola, who didn’t believe relations between the clubs had soured because of the protracted and sometimes awkward negotiations for Fabregas.
“Last year we made an offer and they said no. All the time this situation is happening, it was tough negotiations,” Guardiola said from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Fabregas announced his desire to move back to Barcelona after the 2009-10 season, but Arsenal refused to sell their most valuable player and Fabregas agreed to stay for one more year. This offseason has seen a similar storyline play out, with Fabregas again stating his desire to return to Spain, and Arsenal trying to fend off Barcelona’s interest.
Fabregas sat out most of Arsenal’s preseason campaign, with the club citing an injury worry, and he was not selected for the team’s Premier League opener on Saturday — a 0-0 draw at Newcastle.
Fabregas scored 57 goals in 303 appearances and won one league title and an FA Cup with Arsenal. He has played 58 times for the Spanish national team and was part of the squads that won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 European Championship.
“We’re going to try and make him better,” Guardiola said.
– AP
Really tight between IRL and FRA but I’m going for IRL based on home advantage in the head to head. GS to boot.
Ireland. Slam. Sláinte.
A brief dip in form in the Autumn after 4 years of constant top quality rugby Inc summer Lions, NZ, SA tours but everyone is now fit and playing well. Competition for position with options left out of the squad if required for injuries. Nothing is certain but we are in a great position.
France.
@Carmine Lorenzo: Oh u of little faith
@Noel Lynn: Just being realistic. They have Dupont and Ntamack back. We were poor in the autumn. Faz isn’t here… Wouldn’t be surprised if we were 3rd or 4th. But hopefully I’m wrong!
@Carmine Lorenzo: ray ridge is effecting you lol but ya i hope your wrong too but france will be fave’s
Ireland, but I would have preferred Andy in the driving seat!!
With Dupont and Ntamack together again I just think they’ll be too strong.
I don’t Ireland will change things up too much with Farrell out and it feels like other teams have managed to counter our attack to some extent. Maybe the new direct around kick chaser will help though as I feel Ireland are good under the auld box kick
@Luke mc govern: we’ve beaten them before with Dupont and N’tamak. Yes they’ll be much stronger than the team we trashed in Marseille but I still just about fancy us.
@Luke mc govern: Yes ireland need to try few different things if they cant break teams down like kicking more
Ireland