The rumor mill said he was going. The body language in his last two matches said he was going.
The crowd at Stamford Bridge for the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest certainly thought he was going, giving him a standing ovation when he departed in the second half.
And now Cesc Fàbregas’ transfer is looking official, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeting that he’s on his way to Monaco on a three-year deal.
Cesc Fabregas will be new Monaco player. Done deal and three-years contract. #Fabregas #transfers #CFC #Chelsea #Monaco pic.twitter.com/LSRATuwhfx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2019
The fee is rumored to be €10m.
Not even a botched penalty kick could spoil the goodwill. After the match, Carlo Cudicini had kind things to say about Cesc, who handled himself professionally as he saw Jorginho supplant him in Chelsea’s preferred stating lineup.
“If it is the last game it is good he played in front of his fans? As I said, I don’t know.”
“What can I say about Cesc? 500 games. He is unique in his position, unbelievable vision, awareness and he can spot runs behind the defensive line so precise.”
“He is one of a kind that can do that. He has been fantastic for the teams before us and the contribution to his club has been amazing. He has been fantastic.”
-Carlo Cudicini; Source: football.london
After the final whistle, Cesc gave fans one final, tear-filled goodbye before exiting the pitch at Stamford Bridge for the last time, in all likelihood.
A teary #Fabregas says goodbye to #cfc pic.twitter.com/awKYrj9mQc
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) January 5, 2019
Farewell, maestro.