David Luiz reveals Cesc Fabregas gave farewell speech to Chelsea teammates ahead of expected Monaco transfer

The Spanish midfielder was taken off towards the end of Chelsea's 2-0 FA Cup win against Nottingham Forest and responded to Stamford Bridge's standing ovation in a way that suggests it was his last ahead of an expected transfer to Monaco

Miguel Delaney
Sunday 06 January 2019 15:49 EST
Comments
Maurizio Sarri hints at Chelsea transfer move for striker

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cesc Fabregas gave an emotional farewell speech in the Stamford Bridge dressing room that ended with his Chelsea teammates hugging him, ahead of his expected move to AS Monaco this window.

The 31-year-old was taken off in the 86th minute during his side’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Nottingham Forest in order to receive a standing ovation from the home fans after four and a half trophy-laden years at the club, and later was in floods of tears that continued as he went off the pitch.

David Luiz revealed the emotion continued in the dressing room on what was a “sad” day for the team and added that Chelsea are losing a “world-class” player who was one of the best to ever appear in England.

While no deal with Monaco is as yet confirmed, Fabregas was acting as if it was his last game, and the players were speaking like it.

“He did a speech and then after that we all say thank you for him, and hug him,” David Luiz revealed.

“I think it’s an emotional day not just for him, for everybody. One of the best players playing in England was him, everyone knows that. Sad for everybody when you lose this kind of player, this kind of person, but I think everybody has to stand up and clap the hands for him because he deserves it.

“It’s always difficult to lose players, especially like him, because like I say he’s a world-class player but also I understand it’s part of the process, and if it’s better for him and better for the club, we have to understand that.”

Fabregas won two Premier League titles, a League Cup and an FA Cup with Chelsea, and Luiz said it was that champion’s assertiveness that would remain in the memory.

“I think he won everything with this club. My memories are always going to be with the world-class player, with the great technique, he’s a great guy.

“He has experience. He knows football, I think he had the opportunity to learn in many different changing rooms when he was so young, before, so he brings always a confidence, energy for the team, and then in the pitch he showed that it doesn’t matter the game, he’s always going to show his qualities. Sad. It’s really sad for us. We are wishing him all the best, because he deserves it.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in