Cesc Fabregas' time at Chelsea has com to an end. The Spaniard pulled on the blue shirt for the final time in this afternoon's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, with the home side coming out on top on a 2-0 scoreline.
Fabregas is set to complete a move to Thierry Henry's Monaco side in the coming days, and this game was billed as his farewell to the Chelsea fans. He captained the team on the day, missing a penalty early on that would have capped off the game perfectly. He would play 84 minutes before being withdrawn by Maurizio Sarri.
While nothing has been officially announced regarding his move to Ligue 1, it was clear from the demeanour of Fabregas and his teammates that he was on his way out. He received a wonderful reception from the Stamford Bridge faithful, and he appeared to get emotional as he exited the pitch.
After the final whistle, he walked around the Stamford Bridge to bid farewell to the fans.
A teary #Fabregas says goodbye to #cfc pic.twitter.com/awKYrj9mQc
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) January 5, 2019
Fabregas arrived at Chelsea from Barcelona in 2014, turning down a return to former club Arsenal in the process. He would go on to win a Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in his debut season. The midfielder would claim a further Premier League crown two years later, as well as an FA Cup last season.
His role at the club has been diminishing in recent years, however, and that has become even more pronounced since the arrival of Sarri. He has made just six appearances in the Premier League this season, with most of his football coming via cup competitions.
He will join a Monaco side that have enjoyed a torrid season thus far, sitting 19th in Ligue 1. Thierry Henry is under massive pressure, despite only stepping into the job a couple of months ago.
