Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CESC FLIES IN TO SAVE HENRY
CESC FABREGAS flew to France yesterday to complete his transfer to Thierry Henry’s Monaco.
The Chelsea midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Ligue 1 side, who have been struggling against relegation this season.
The two clubs have yet to agree a fee for the Spaniard, who is out of contract at the end of the season, with the Blues seeking €12million (£10.75m).
Monaco want to pay less – and have former Stamford Bridge sporting director Michael Emenalo negotiating the deal.
Both clubs hope to seal the deal today and the former Arsenal and Barcelona star could make his debut in the south-coast derby with Marseille on Sunday. Fabregas, 31, played for four years with Henry at Arsenal and shares the same agent in Darren Dein.
The Spaniard was given a standing ovation as he said goodbye to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, during the Blues’ FA Cup victory against Nottingham Forest. But after a French Cup win yesterday over national league side Canet-en-roussillon – coached by one-time Manchester United defender William Prunier – Henry (left) said: “Personally, I did not watch his match.
“If he did a lap of honour, it is something he deserves for what he has done for Chelsea, for the Premier League and for Arsenal, too.
“I cannot say any more at the moment – he is still a Chelsea player.” The Holyrood is a family run hotel famous for its unique Irish welcome, in the beautiful seaside resort of Bundoran, with views overlooking Donegal Bay. Bundoran is the first point of interest on the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal.