Chelsea signs Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona

Cesc Fabragas is returning to London and will get a chance to play against his former Arsenal teammates after signing a five-year contract with Chelsea.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona released statements Thursday confirming the move, with Fabregas expressing his joy to be returning to the Premier League after spending the last three years in Spain.

"I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return," he said.

[Courtesy: Chelsea FC]

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing."

Matt Law of the Telegraph reports Chelsea paid £27 million to complete the transfer.

The timing of the transfer was critical for Fabregas as he and Spain prepare to defend their World Cup trophy.

"t was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy."

Fabregas returns to the Premier League after spending eight seasons with Arsenal before opting to play with his childhood team and departing for Barcelona in 2011.

The move to the Catalan giants paid off as Fabregas was a member of several cup winning teams that captured the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and other trophies during his three year tenure.

He was, however, the target of negative chants and whistles from disgruntled Barcelona fans who felt the 27-year-old was falling short of expectations on the pitch. He couldn't avoid the jeers from fans when he was paraded off the field as a substitute on numerous occasions throughout his final season at the Camp Nou. Fabregas was used as a substitute or replaced in eight of Barcelona's final 10 matches of the season.

Arsenal reportedly turned down the chance to trigger the buy-back clause in the 2011 contract with Barcelona to bring Fabregas back to the Emirates, with suggestions of an overcrowded midfield with players who posses similar qualities as their reason to reject the Spanish midfielder.

Fabregas, known for his vision and playmaking abilities, supplied 13 assists and scored eight goals during 28 matches in La Liga last season.