• Premier League

Fabregas one of us now, says Terry

John Terry says Cesc Fabregas is now "part of the Chelsea family" after the midfielder claimed he had no choice but to forget about Arsenal.

Fabregas, who spent eight years with Arsenal earlier in his career and captained the side, arrived at Stamford Bridge from Barcelona in a £27 million deal this summer and has helped to inspire Chelsea's unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign.

Last week, Fabregas said Arsenal fans can hate him for signing for Chelsea - but they need to "move on" after he decided to join his former club's London rivals.

Cesc Fabregas has settled in quickly since arriving at Chelsea © Getty Images

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''Obviously we were always competitive when we played against each other, and we had a little laugh about that. But that's what football is all about - the rivalry," Terry told Sport magazine.

''But now he is one of us; part of the Chelsea family, and he is playing great. In the short time he has been here, he has made a big impression. He has a long contract, and we all hope he can bring great success to Chelsea for years to come.''

Terry feels Chelsea are much stronger for Fabregas' arrival as well as that of Diego Costa, who has struck up a devastating understanding on the pitch with his fellow Spaniard.

''We have always wanted to play through the midfield, that has not changed. It was the same when Lamps [Frank Lampard] was here. We want to play attractive football," Terry said.

''Obviously Cesc is a world-class player. To have someone so influential from the Spain squad, along with Diego Costa, has been great. You can see the qualities Cesc brings to the pitch - he can find passes that others can't. He keeps the ball really well, and he helps us control games.

"When we are playing out from defence, he can help us keep the ball. He is associated with tiki-taka, but at Chelsea we have always played this way; pass the ball, control games, and give ourselves more options going forward. He's certainly added to the squad, and that's why we are stronger now in the department.''

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