Cesc Fabregas is reportedly close to leaving Chelsea
It wasn’t quite the fairytale ending, but it seems Cesc Fabregas has played his final game for Chelsea Football Club.
Reports prior to the FA Cup Third Round meeting with Nottingham Forest claimed the Spanish midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal and Barcelona, will leave Stamford Bridge in the coming days.
After struggling to hold down a regular starting position under Maurizio Sarri this season, the 31-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, is said to be closing in on a move to Monaco.
And judging by his reaction as he was substituted in the 2-0 win over Forest, it seems safe to say that Fabregas’ days as a Chelsea player are all but over. Having missed a penalty in the first-half, an emotional Fabregas waved farewell to the crowd as he was replaced late on – the supporters responding with a standing ovation for him.
Farewell to Chelsea 💙
Farewell to England 👋After over 500 appearances in English football, Cesc Fàbregas bids an emotional goodbye 👏 pic.twitter.com/BJq7IHnnjT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 5, 2019
Between his spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, Fabregas has made over 500 appearances in English football, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup twice.
It’s expected that midfielder will reunite former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry at Monaco, as he looks to help the club to climb the table after a disastrous first half of the Ligue 1 season has left them second from bottom.