Cesc Fabregas in tears as Chelsea midfielder says goodbye to fans at Stamford Bridge

A clearly emotional Cesc Fabregas said goodbye to the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge on Saturday ahead of his proposed transfer to AS Monaco.

The Spaniard is expected to leave the Blues in the coming days and join up with Thierry Henry’s side, in what will be a reunion with his former Arsenal captain.

Fabregas has just five months remaining on his Chelsea contract and would have been required to take a significant pay-cut to his £160,000-a-week salary to have stayed at Stamford Bridge.

But the former Barcelona star feels that, at the age of 31, needs to be assured of regular first team football – something clearly not in the offing under Maurizio Sarri.

Fabregas was named captain for what will be his final game, a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.

While he signed off with a win, the occasion was somewhat soured after he missed a penalty in the opening 45 minutes.

But second half brace from compatriot Alvaro Morata ensured that Fabregas’s final match would end in victory.

At full time, a tearful Fabregas applauded the home fans as he said his goodbyes.

The Spain midfielder has been a huge success since joining from Barcelona for £30m in 2014, winning two League titles, one FA Cup and League Cup.