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

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.”