• Premier League

Chelsea match my ambitions - Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas will be a Premier League player again next season after completing a move from Barcelona to Chelsea, but admitted Arsenal decided not to take the option to re-sign him.

Fabregas has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge following a reported €33 million switch from the La Liga side. He has been handed the No.4 shirt, the club confirmed on its official website.

The 27-year-old returns to the top flight having spent eight years at Arsenal, who he joined at the age of 16 before making a £35 million move to Barcelona in August 2011. Fabregas wrote on his official Facebook page that his former club chose not to take up the first option to bring him back to the Emirates.

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"Everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me," Fabregas said. "They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future.

"It was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy."

The midfielder added on Chelsea's official website: "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.

"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."

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