Cesc Fabregas has moved to end speculation about a possible move to Manchester United by insisting he is "very happy" at Barcelona.
David Moyes' side had two bids for the former Arsenal man rejected by Barcelona earlier this summer, while Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta declared at the start of the week that United had given up on trying to sign the Spain international. Fabregas ruled out a move away from the Nou Camp while at the Confederations Cup in June but kept silent after United made their interest in him official, prompting speculation that he was in favour of a transfer.
But speaking in a press conference today, the midfielder said: "Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life, it's been my dream since I was a child. I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years."
Fabregas also defended not making a statement on his future in the midst of speculation about United's interest.
"I've been relaxed about it the whole time, I didn't have to clarify anything because the only thing I was thinking about was staying at Barca," he said. "As I haven't deceived anyone or hidden anything, I told the club's press department that I would speak when it was my turn to speak to the press."
And he insisted there was never any truth in the speculation about him wanting a return to the Premier League.
"Stories have been invented," he said. "I don't know why speculation grew even after Tito (Vilanova, former Barca coach), Zubizarreta, Tata (Gerardo Martino, new Barca coach) and (Barca vice-president Josep) Bartomeu all said they wanted me to stay. I was never given any sign from the club to make me think they didn't want me, I have always felt wanted here. I spoke to Bartomeu, the president (Sandro Rosell) in person and Tata also told me he wanted me to stay and there's been no problem."
Fabregas also denied that he had requested a new contract from the Catalan club and promised to try and improve his performances for Barca next season.
"What I have to do is do everything better because I'm at the biggest and most demanding club in the world," he said.
