Arsenal [ Images ] skipper Cesc Fabregas [ Images ] has admitted that he only stayed back at the club because he was given no choice.

"Barcelona [ Images ] did all that they could to sign me, but Arsenal told me I had to stay, that there was no way there were going to let me go," News of The World quoted Fabregas, as saying.

"In the end, I had to stay, but the content of my conversation with Arsene Wenger [ Images ] will remain private. We'll see what happens in the future," he added.

The 23-year-old further hinted that the suspense over his on-off departure will start again next summer, but promised fans that he would be completely focused this season.

"I have a very long year ahead of me. I will be professional and give everything. I will not think about anything else other than Arsenal," Fabregas said.

"If I start thinking about the future that will stop me being focused and I will have a bad year," he added.