Finally! Cesc Fàbregas seals Barcelona return

Updated: 07 Sept, 2018 • • min read

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The long-running transfer saga finally reached its conclusion on Monday when Cesc Fàbregas completed his return to Barcelona after eight years with Arsenal.


Cesc Fàbregas kisses the Barcelona badge during his presentation Photo: Getty Images

Following confirmation last night that Barcelona had reached an agreement with Arsenal, Fàbregas undertook a two-stage medical in Spain this morning before the Spanish champions confirmed the signing on their official Twitter page.

The announcement brings to an end the long-running transfer saga and sees Fàbregas return to his local club Barça, who he left for Arsenal as a 16-year-old.

Fàbregas said: "For me it's a special day. I'm returning home.

"I know that the Arsenal fans will be disappointed with my exit from the club, but I'm here to face an incredible challenge — the challenge of my life.

"I come here with great humility because I know I have a lot to learn and I can learn a lot from Pep Guardiola and this great team.

"I know I can enjoy it and make a contribution. I'm going to try very hard to make this team even more competitive and strong.

"I will give everything to make this club better."

Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger had previously resisted the Catalans' attempts to sign Fàbregas as the Gunners held firm on a £40 million valuation.

But it is reported that the final deal was only worth around £35 million, with Arsenal believed to be getting paid £25 million up front followed by a possible extra £4.3 million depending on Barça's success.

Arsenal will then receive almost £1 million for each year of Fàbregas' five-year contract, while they have also secured a buy-back option and a 50 percent sell-on clause if Barcelona ever decide to move him on.

Wenger maintains that it is a good deal for Arsenal but admits they could have generated even more cash by starting a bidding war.

"We sold Cesc for a reduced fee," said the Frenchman.

"If he was on the market to any club we would have got more money, but we did want to get a decent fee.

"That's what I'm paid for. You cannot say because you want to get the deal done as quickly as possible: 'Just take him and give us what you want'.

"You have to fight for your rights. What is good is that you call multi-million pound players 'cheap'."

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