Fabregas seals Chelsea switch

Chelsea have signed Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas on a five-year deal from Barcelona.

Fabregas, currently away with his national side at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, returns to the Premier League after a three-year stay at Camp Nou.

The 27-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Arsenal in 2011, and won La Liga in 2013, as well as the Copa del Rey 12 months earlier.

Fabregas’ final season in Spain ended in disappointment as Barca finished the campaign second behind Atletico Madrid, having failed to beat Diego Simeone’s men on the final day when a victory would have seen them crowned champions.

Manchester United had reportedly also been mulling over a deal for the midfielder, while Arsenal turned down the chance to take up a first option on him.

However, Fabregas will instead move to Stamford Bridge, linking up with former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

He told the club’s official website: “Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. 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 to return.

“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies.

“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.”

A statement on the Catalan club’s website read: “FC Barcelona wishes to publicly acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of Cesc Fabregas over the years in the club, which will always be home, and we would like to express best wishes for the future.”