Chelsea has acquired Cesc Fàbregas on a $44.8 million transfer from Barcelona.

Fàbregas will be on a five-year contract with Chelsea and wear No. 4.

Fàbregas struggled to make a full impact during his time with Barcelona after returning to his boyhood club in 2011 from Arsenal.

"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years," said Fàbregas. "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.

"I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return.

'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 am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing."