( CNN ) -- Cesc Fabregas is returning to London and the English Premier League after the Spain international signed for Chelsea from Barcelona Thursday . The midfielder , who started his career with Barcelona , spent eight years with Chelsea 's London rivals Arsenal between 2003 and 2011 , before rejoining the Catalan club . `` Firstly I 'd like to thank everyone at Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years , '' said Fabregas , who has joined Chelsea on a five-year contract , in a statement on the club 's website . `` It was my childhood club and I 'll always be proud and honored that I had a chance to play for such a great team , '' added the 27-year-old , who is on World Cup duty with Spain in Brazil . Chelsea finished third last season , securing the EPL 's third European Champions League automatic qualifying spot . In manager Jose Mourinho 's first season back in charge at Stamford Bridge , Chelsea also reached the Champions League semifinals before being knocked out by Atletico Madrid . Fabregas ' arrival gives Mourinho a wealth of midfield talent , given Chelsea 's Portuguese manager already has Eden Hazard , Oscar , Ramires , Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel at his disposal . `` I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return , '' said Fabregas , who played over 300 games for Arsenal during his first spell in England but won just one trophy -- the FA Cup in 2005 . `` I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice . 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 'm fully committed to this team and I ca n't wait to start playing . '' Barcelona , which failed to retain the Spanish title last season , issued a statement thanking Fabregas for his `` professionalism and dedication '' during his time at the Nou Camp . The Spanish club will reportedly receive an upfront payment of $ 45.4 million for Fabregas , though the transfer fee could rise with contractual add-ons . Chelsea are also reportedly keen to sign another La Liga player -- Atletico Madrid 's Spain international striker Diego Costa .
Cesc Fabregas signs five-year contract with Chelsea . Spain midfielder moves to London for second time from Barcelona . Fabregas , 27 , is on World Cup duty with Spain in Brazil . TL;DR Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo