Fabregas signs new deal with Gunners

Spanish starlet Francesc Fabregas has pledged his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract at Highbury.

The 17-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of the Gunners’ hottest prospects after becoming the youngest player to appear for the club the youngest ever goalscorer.

He told www.arsenal.com: “I’m delighted to be pledging my long-term future to Arsenal. My first year here has been like a dream, I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in the first team so early on.

“But I’ve worked hard and will continue to do so, learning from the best players around – I’m very excited about my future here.”

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona in September 2003 and made history by appearing in the Carling Cup against Rotherham United at 16 years and 177 days.

He then became the club’s youngest ever scorer in his next appearance against Wolves in the same competition.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: “Cesc has shown great maturity since he joined, and has adapted well to the pace of the English game.

“He is a playmaker, someone with real vision and he has all the ingredients to be a big player for us.

“We have a young team with good experience, and Cesc is very much a part of the future of the club.”