Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas said Thursday he has signed for English Premier League club Chelsea from Barcelona.
"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," the 27-year-old former Arsenal player said in a statement.
Fabregas is believed to have signed a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £30 million (Dh185.4m).
"FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Cesc Fabregas to the English club," Barca confirmed in a statement on their website.
"FC Barcelona wishes to publicly thank Cesc Fabregas for his professionalism and dedication during his years at the club, which will always be his home, and to wish him all the very best for the future," they added.
With Barcelona having failed to win any silverware last season and the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new head coach, Fabregas was allowed to leave Spain and he said Chelsea was his preferred 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 set-up in 2003 and developed into a star in England after securing a first-team place and he eventually became captain.
But the only trophy he won in England was the 2005 FA Cup.
Now he returns with London rivals Chelsea under Jose Mourinho after confirming Arsenal had not taken up their option to re-sign him.
"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."
Chelsea confirmed the 27-year-old had signed a five-year deal.
"For me it was fundamental that the signing be finished before the beginning of the World Cup so that I can fully concentrate in helping my country win the World Cup," Fabregas said.
After moving to Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011, Fabregas played in 96 La Liga matches for the Catalan club, scoring 28 goals.
During his three years at Barcelona, Fabregas won a Spanish league title, as well as the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
"I would like to thank everyone at Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years," Fabregas said. "It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honored that I played for such a great team.
Fabregas is currently with the Spain national football team in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.
He will wear the No 4 shirt at Chelsea, previously worn by David Luiz, who is set to join Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
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