WHEN QUOTES ATTRIBUTED to Cesc Fabregas appeared in Spain’s Sport magazine last week, they succeeded in setting off a media firestorm.

The midfielder appeared to suggest that Arsenal, the club from which he received a long-awaited transfer during the summer, lacked the capacity to “win the big titles year after year.”

Eyebrows were raised; not least those of the midfielder himself, who was adamant he’d never spoken those words.

Today, after the success of a subsequent court action, Fabregas was awarded significant damages and received a public apology from the magazine.

The statement, translated by Eurosport, reads:

“On 16 September 2011 we published an article described as an interview with Cesc Fabregas. In fact, there was no actual interview (the player was speaking at two press events) and Fabregas did not say the words attributed to him, including and in particular about Arsenal.

“We were unaware of these matters when we published the article, which was written by a freelance journalist. We apologise profusely to Mr Fabregas for any damage caused.”

A righteous Fabregas issued his response via Twitter.

Fabregas has enjoyed an encouraging start to his new career with the European champions and starred during their 8-0 thrashing of Osasuna at the weekend.

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