Fabregas’ Chelsea Departure Confirmed

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Cesc Fabregas, who has joined Monaco on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The transfer brings to an end the Spain international’s four-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge, during which time he helped the club win four major trophies, including two Premier League titles.

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Fabregas also enjoyed a productive spell with Arsenal at the start of his career and, in total, he made 501 career appearances in English football, the last of which came in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The 31-year-old is believed to have agreed his move to Monaco last Sunday, although Chelsea had been stalling on sanctioning the deal as they first wanted to find a replacement.

Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Zenit St Petersburg star Leandro Paredes are two of the names that have been linked with succeeding Fabregas in West London, and, although neither player has been signed yet, Chelsea have now allowed Fabregas to complete his move to the Principality.

“Cesc Fabregas has today completed a permanent transfer to Monaco,” Chelsea confirmed on their club website. The midfielder’s switch to the Ligue 1 club brings the curtain down on his four-and-a-half year Chelsea career.”

Fabregas could now make his Monaco debut during Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.