Cesc Fabregas completes Monaco move from Chelsea

The Spaniard has called time on a four-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge, which saw the midfielder win two Premier League titles, as well as one FA Cup and one League Cup.

Fabregas scored 22 goals in 198 appearances for Chelsea, having arrived from Barcelona in the summer of 2014.

A Chelsea statement said: "There is no doubt Fabregas’s place in the Chelsea history books is assured given his achievements over the past four-and-a-half seasons.

"Big goals and outstanding moments of quality, all backed up by the ultimate aim, which is to be part of a successful, trophy-winning team. Fabregas, who scored 22 goals for the club in total, departs having helped the club achieve great success, as well as providing our supporters with some wonderful memories.

Monaco, managed by Fabregas's former Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry, are struggling second from bottom of the Ligue 1 standings ahead of a crunch game against neighbours Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.

"It is a great pleasure to join Monaco, it is a new project for me. It is a quality squad with young players and a young coach," said Fabregas, referring to former France striker Henry.

“I am looking forward to starting, we have a big game against Marseille on Sunday. I am very excited.”