Cesc Fabregas has completed his transfer to Chelsea from Barcelona, the Spain midfielder has announced in a statement.

The 27-year-old is currently in Brazil with the national squad but has put pen to paper on a deal that sees him return to England after leaving Arsenal for the Nou Camp in 2011.

He is believed to have signed a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £30 million.

With Barcelona having failed to win any silverware last season and the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new head coach, Fabregas was allowed to leave Spain and he revealed that Chelsea was his preferred option from those who had made their interest known.

“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice,” he said.

“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.”

Fabregas became a household name in England after developing into a first-team regular at Arsenal.

He joined the Gunners from Barcelona’s youth set-up but, despite earning plaudits for his ability, he only ever lifted the FA Cup during his first stay in England.

Now he returns with London rivals Chelsea after confirming Arsenal had not taken up their option to re-sign him.

“Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years,” he said.

“It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.

“Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be.”