Speaking in his unveiling press conference as an AS Monaco player this afternoon, 31-year-old Spanish international central midfielder Cesc Fabregas explained his decision to join up with former team-mate Thierry Henry at the struggling Ligue 1 side.

“I am not going to lie this was a difficult moment for me, I had some great moments there (in England), that is where I started my career, I won a lot of things with two of the best clubs in the Premier League. Sometimes I feel more English than Spanish. It was a truly moving moment, I want to thank everyone who enabled me to do what I have done in my career. I think that it was the best moment for me to make a change for a new challenge.”

On what Thierry Henry did to convince him to join AS Monaco:

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We spoke a lot, he explained exactly what he expected of me, and I told him what I could bring. I like the way he thinks, the way he sees football. He is only at the beginning of his career but he is a winner, a true competitor. We are in good hands… I have known Thierry Henry for a very long time, since I was 16. He has helped me a lot in my career, he is one of the best players that I have ever played with, as a central midfielder, it was a privilege to play with a striker of his class. He is at the start of his career as a manager, I am coming to help him but also and above all the club.