Chelsea signs Spain's Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on 5-year deal

Before taking the field in the 2014 World Cup, Spain midfielder Cesc Fàbregas had some business to take care of on the club level. On Thursday, Chelsea announced that it has signed Fàbregas on a five-year deal from FC Barcelona.

The signing with Chelsea ends the 27-year-old Fàbregas' three-year hiatus from the Premier League, where he starred with Cheslea rival Arsenal. 

"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honored that I had a chance to play for such a great team," Fàbregas said in a statement. "I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return.

"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."

Throughout his three years in Barcelona Fàbregas helped to lead the club to La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup titles and FIFA Club World Cup titles.

In his previous Premier League stint, Fàbregas had 35 goals in 212 appearances for Arsenal. 

Fabregas also delivered the World Cup-winning assist to Andres Iniesta in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands. The two sides kick off Group B play in the 2014 World Cup on Friday.