Football: Fab move to Chelsea

Spanish midfielder cesc Fabregas said yesterday he has signed for english premier League giants chelsea from Barcelona.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," the 27-year-old former Arsenal player (above) said, in a statement.

Fabregas is believed to have signed a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £30 million ($63m).

With Barcelona having failed to win any silverware last season and the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new head coach, Fabregas was allowed to leave Spain and he said Chelsea was his preferred option.

"They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies," said the Spanish international, who is with the defending champions in Brazil and could start the huge clash against Holland tomorrow morning (Singapore time).

Committed

"They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing."

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona's youth set-up in 2003 and developed into a star in England after securing a first-team place and he eventually became captain.

But the only trophy he won in England was the 2005 FA Cup.

Now he returns with London rivals Chelsea under Jose Mourinho after confirming Arsenal had not taken up their option to re-sign him.

"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years," said Fabregas.

"It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.

"I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for my return.

"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."

Barcelona confirmed the deal in a club statement which thanked the player for his three years at the Nou Camp.

The statement said: "FC Barcelona wishes to publicly thank Cesc Fabregas for his professionalism and dedication during his years at the Club, which will always be his home, and to wish him all the very best for the future."

This article was published on June 13 in The New Paper.

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