The 22-year-old Spain international may have been far away on international duty at the Confederations Cup, but back home, the now all-too-familiar stories of a big-money move to either boyhood club Barcelona or Real Madrid were once more emblazoned across the back pages.

First-team regulars Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure have both been sold to Manchester City, putting even more emphasis on the likes of Fabregas to perform if the club are to even match last season's achievements, never mind actually win a trophy.

And every interview fielded by the young Spaniard, either when he is in England or away his homeland, always comes back to one thing - why he stays in north London.

Fabregas continues to pledge his allegiance to the Arsenal cause, having broken into the first team while still only 16 and since going on to become one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.

However, underpinning that unfaltering commitment comes a belief that sooner or later, Wenger's youngsters - who reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League - must deliver.

"I am not sure how many times I need to talk directly about my commitment to Arsenal as I continue to say the same thing over and over again, but it appears that every time I have spoken to the Spanish media recently, my words have bounced back to England, leaving question marks about my future," said Fabregas, whose return from a serious knee injury helped Arsenal recover fourth place in the Barclays Premier League and the chance to qualify for Europe's elite club competition once again.

"So, for anyone who is unclear or may have misunderstood what my position is, let me make myself absolutely crystal clear - I am wholeheartedly committed to Arsenal and my future lies with this great club.

"It is a fact that we have not won a trophy for four years and yes, I am angry about that, but that anger stems from the deep, deep desire I have to win things with Arsenal.

"I care about this club and believe in this team. I am proud to captain this team and proud to wear the shirt.

"It really upsets me when people express my thoughts otherwise."

Fabregas, contracted with the Gunners until 2015, added: "The spirit in this squad is fantastic and we have the ability and mentality to compete on all fronts for silverware.

"Make no mistake, we are focused and determined to show that we are capable of achieving great things together."

The Arsenal captain, however, accepts another barren season for the club, whose last trophy was the FA Cup in 2005, will not be a sign of progress.

"It is very important for this club to start winning trophies again, to be back at our best, so we are annoyed we could not do it this season," he said.

"We definitely need to improve in some areas and do better as a squad. I believe that, next season, we will be stronger.

"We are really disappointed because we did not achieve what we wanted to this year, so it is up to us to come back stronger next time. I am confident we can do that."