Barcelona: Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has signed for English Premier League club Chelsea from Barcelona, he confirmed on Thursday.
Fabregas, who is preparing for the World Cup with the Spain squad in Brazil, is believed to have signed a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £30 million (Rs 299.17 crore).
The 27-year-old former star of Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal said he had “unfinished business” in English football and revealed that Arsenal had decided not to use their option to re-sign him.
He said in a statement: “I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice.
“Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future.”
Fabregas said it was “extremely important” to him that the move was completed before Spain begin their World Cup defence “so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy”.
With Barcelona having had a rare trophyless season and with Luis Enrique appointed as the new head coach, Fabregas was allowed to leave the Catalan giants and he said Chelsea were an attractive option.
“They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies,” he said. (AFP)
