Spain 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 (US$50.5 million).
The 27-year-old former star of Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal said he had “unfinished business” in English soccer and revealed that Arsenal had decided not to use their option to re-sign him.
“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice,” Fabregas said in a statement. “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 defense “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. “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 team in 2003 and eventually became captain, but the only trophy he won in England was the 2005 FA Cup.
He left for Barcelona in 2011, but now he returns to the Premier League with Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, in a midfield also featuring Eden Hazard of Belgium and Brazil’s Oscar.
“I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for me to return,” he said.
He thanked everyone at Barcelona — “my childhood club” — and said: “I will always be proud and honored that I had a chance to play for such a great team.”
MARTINEZ INKS DEAL
Reuters
Roberto Martinez has signed a new five-year deal as manager of Everton, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
The Spaniard replaced Manchester United-bound David Moyes at Goodison Park a year ago and guided Everton to within touching distance of UEFA Champions League qualification in his first season.
The Toffees finished fifth and their points tally of 72 represented a club record.
The 40-year-old, who won the FA Cup last year with unfancied Wigan, transformed Everton into a slick, creative team spearheaded by exciting young attacking players.
Their brilliant season under Martinez was capped with qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a further commitment to Everton,” Martinez said. “I loved my first season. I could not be more proud of the way Everton performed throughout the entire season and the memories we were able to make together.”
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