Cesc Fabregas: One Of The Best – David Luiz

 Chelsea defender, David Luiz, hailed Cesc Fabregas as one of the best players the English game has ever seen ahead of his proposed exit from the club.

Fabregas bid an emotional farewell to Blues fans as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Despite missing a penalty, the midfielder was cheered off the pitch when he was substituted late in the game and had to hold back the tears as he received a rapturous reception. And Luiz admits it was a difficult day for everybody connected with the club.

“I think Cesc is one of the best players to have played in England for many, many years,” the Brazilian told talkSPORT.

“It was emotional, not just for him, but for everybody.

“Maybe he is not going to play for Chelsea anymore so we are sad, but we wish him all the best because he is a great character and a great player and we will miss him.

“It’s always hard, but it’s always part of the process.”

Fabregas is set to sign for Monaco after making 198 appearances for Chelsea. The Spaniard, 31, also spent eight years at Arsenal and says it was tough to realise that he has probably played his last game in English football.

“The occasion got the better of me. I didn’t expect all of this to happen today,” he said after the Nottingham Forest win.

“I can’t say anything out of respect for Chelsea but everyone knows the situation.

“Time flies. It feels like last week I started playing professionally, and now it has been over 15 years.

“For the young players, a little advice: enjoy every single second.

“You have to be ready every three days, live with criticism, with everyone saying how good you are, with up and downs, but time really does fly.”

Eden Hazard also moved to pay tribute to Fabregas and says it was a joy to play alongside a player of his quality.

“In five years I can say that I was lucky to play with him,” he said.

“Since the beginning when he came we won the double together.

“Top guy on the pitch and off the pitch. A great friend of mine. I just have admiration for this guy.

“I hope he will have a good future, it’s a bit hard now.”