Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona in a deal worth a potential £35 million to Arsenal.
The 24-year-old said he moved back to his native Spain to take up “the greatest challenge of my life.”
According to the BBC, Barcelona have written in a buy-out clause in the midfielder’s contract set at €200 million.
Fabregas said: “I have waited a long time for this moment. After eight years away I hope to leave you all with many great memories.”
As part of the deal, Barcelona will pay Arsenal €29 million up front for Fabregas, with the player contributing €1 million from his salary each year of the initial contract.
Arsenal will also receive €5 million if Barcelona win two La Liga titles and one Champions League title in the next five years.
Fabregas won one major title with Arsenal – the 2005 FA Cup.
“I was just a servant and spent eight years there when I gave absolutely everything,” he said.
“It didn’t show in the cabinet, I only won one FA Cup really, and this is the biggest regret I will have in my career, probably, not to be able to lift a trophy as Arsenal captain.
“I will always be an Arsenal fan because what they have done for me is unbelievable and I will never forget it.”
Fabregas also paid tribute to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, saying: “Wenger is a special person to me. He’ll always be a second father to me.
“I think if Arsenal want to keep being the club they are then they have to always be under his control, because he’s the best, everyone respects him, and for me, he will always be the best person that I’ve met in football.
“I’ll never be able to find the words to express my thanks for what he did for me.”
Fabregas also thanked Arsenal fans on Twitter, posting: “To all Gunners: A big thank you for your unconditional support during the last 8 yrs. Just say that I will always carry you in my heart!”
Fabregas, who has 58 caps for Spain, pointed out he doesn’t expect joining European giants Barcelona to be a walk in the park.
“I come here with great humility because I know I have a lot to learn and I can learn a lot from this coach and this great team,” he said.
“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.”
Wenger said of Fabregas’ move to Barcelona: “We have lost a world-class player.”
“We are sad about it because we tried to keep him.”
Fabregas made his debut with his new team Barcelona in Wednesday’s Spanish Super Cup final second-leg against Real Madrid.
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