Xavi: Chelsea a "great opportunity" for Cesc Fabregas

Xavi believes that Cesc Fabregas has a "great opportunity" available to him after signing for Chelsea today.

The Spain international joined the Premier League outfit from Barcelona on a five-year deal for a reported £30m fee.

Although admitting that the departure of his club teammate is a "big loss" for the Catalans, Xavi says that it is "great news" for the former Arsenal ace on a personal level.

"It's great news for Cesc," he told reporters. "I think he's very happy. I see him looking happy.

"It's a great opportunity for him to be signed by a good team. I think he was hoping that would happen. He's happy as he knows his future now for the next few years.

"It's a very big loss for Barcelona, that's clear, but he looks happy. I'm a very good friend of his so I would like to wish him all the very best."

Fabregas joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011 following an eight-year spell with the Gunners.