After seasons of speculations upon Cesc Fabregas’ future at Arsenal, a conclusion to all debates has arrived with the unveiling of the new Barcelona signing.
Both clubs, who clashed against each other in last season’s UEFA Champions League, reached an agreement late last week for the player’s transfer. Fabregas today passed his medical and agreed personal terms that will see him bound to the Catalans for five years.
President Sandro Rosell insisted the Blaugrana were initially going to pay no more than €29 million, adding that the deal could nevertheless go up to €39 million. The midfielder was unveiled at the Camp Nou earlier this morning in front of thousands of fans who welcomed him back with great enthusiasm.
"I have waited many days, many months, and many years for this moment,” Fabregas told the crowd at the gigantic stadium.
“For me, it is a very special day. I have come home after eight years away.”
The Spaniard joined London club Arsenal in September 2003 subsequent to fears of having limited chances in Barcelona. His years with the Gunners went from satisfying to frustrating, and Fabregas even claimed to have suffered lately, while negotiations were still at their complicated stage.
“I know that I might have harmed Arsenal's plans, but I am sure they will fix it," he asserted.
The former skipper however showed some appreciation for the opportunities he profited from with Arsenal, describing Coach Arsene Wenger as someone who has significantly marked his life: "For me, he will always be like a second father,” he revealed.
“I will never be able to thank him enough for everything he did for me.”
Fabregas will be performing for Los Cules under the No.4 jersey. Being in perfect shape, he could well feature in the Barcelona side that face Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España’s second leg on August 17.
President Sandro Rosell insisted the Blaugrana were initially going to pay no more than €29 million, adding that the deal could nevertheless go up to €39 million. The midfielder was unveiled at the Camp Nou earlier this morning in front of thousands of fans who welcomed him back with great enthusiasm.
"I have waited many days, many months, and many years for this moment,” Fabregas told the crowd at the gigantic stadium.
“For me, it is a very special day. I have come home after eight years away.”
The Spaniard joined London club Arsenal in September 2003 subsequent to fears of having limited chances in Barcelona. His years with the Gunners went from satisfying to frustrating, and Fabregas even claimed to have suffered lately, while negotiations were still at their complicated stage.
“I know that I might have harmed Arsenal's plans, but I am sure they will fix it," he asserted.
The former skipper however showed some appreciation for the opportunities he profited from with Arsenal, describing Coach Arsene Wenger as someone who has significantly marked his life: "For me, he will always be like a second father,” he revealed.
“I will never be able to thank him enough for everything he did for me.”
Fabregas will be performing for Los Cules under the No.4 jersey. Being in perfect shape, he could well feature in the Barcelona side that face Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España’s second leg on August 17.
