Cesc Fabregas has rejected an offer from Real Madrid in a show of loyalty to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Fabregas decided to stay because he 'did not want to leave Arsenal in the lurch' after Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona.

Madrid had prepared a bid of £21.5million and were willing to go as high as £30m to force the Gunners to crack.

Yet Fabregas, 20, had a heart-to-heart with boss Wenger.

And he revealed: "It was a very relaxed player- manager chat.

"He is someone I have so much confidence in.

"Wenger has been almost everything to me in football.

"It is not easy putting a boy who has not long arrived in the country into the first team, giving me my debut and letting me play alongside the great players.

"He gave me my chance which was incredible and that is why I feel responsible and that is why I have decided to continue.

"Now I want to win as many titles with Arsenal as I can.

"I believe a lot in the team and what we can achieve - but the feeling I have for the club has also been fundamental in my decision. I wouldn't dare leave the club that has put so much faith in me.

"I owe everything to Arsene Wenger and I have complete confidence that Wenger is going to renew his contract.

"He didn't tell me that for sure but it's what my feelings tell me he will do.

"It is not the right time for me and the club to go in different directions."