Wenger happy to avoid Ronaldo saga

By Brian Lofrumento | 9th August 2010

Arsenal fans and staff are delighted that the Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona saga has finally come to a close. The Gunners skipper last week declared his intention to remain at the Emirates, and manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is happy the club have avoided a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque saga.

“We are not in a Cristiano Ronaldo place. We are just focused on the new season,” the Frenchman said, referring to the uphill battle faced by Manchester United when Real Madrid started pursuing their most prized asset.

“Fabregas is one of our best players. We want him to stay and be focused.

“He will be our captain this season and I hope for many seasons to come.”

Wenger also took time to lavish praise on Arsenal youngsters Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere, both of whom are in line to make their senior international debuts this week against Hungary. Both young Gunners have been called into Fabio Capello’s squad for this week’s friendly.

“Kieran Gibbs is slowly coming back to his best. That is good news for us and for England I believe,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“Walcott and Wilshere were a little jaded [against Legia], but overall they have had a very sharp pre-season campaign.”

The Gunners begin their Premier League campaign with a tricky fixture against Liverpool on Sunday.