Former world and European champion Cesc Fàbregas has joined Italian second-division club Como.
Fabregas, who won World Como was unveiled as the player on Monday after signing a two-year contract with Spain in the 2010 Cup, as well as two European Championships.
The small club, which is based on the shores of the picturesque Lake Como, finished 13th in the previous Serie B campaign in its first season and last played in Italy’s top flight almost 20 years ago.
Read also| Robert Lewandowski might be gone, but Bayern Munich look even stronger
More than 100 fans waited to welcome Fabregas, who posed for selfies and signed autographs outside the Stadio Giuseppe Siniglia.
“I come here with the same ambition as always: I want to play, I want to win and take Como to Serie A,” said Fabregas. “I still have a lot to do in football, I have a lot of ambition.”
The 35-year-old midfielder comes on a free transfer after his contract with Monaco expires in June. He has also played for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea and has won many trophies in an illustrious career.
Fabregas said his unexpected move was not due to Como’s CEO – and former Chelsea player – Dennis Wise.
“There were many reasons,” he said. “It was the first time my contract expired, I wanted an experience that could excite and inspire me, Como has a long term project and it was exactly what I wanted, but credit goes to Dennis Wise That’s what inspired me to take this opportunity.
“The next challenge is always the most important. The next two years of my life will be devoted entirely to Como, both off the field, what matters to me is the development of this city.”
Fabregas will not be the only World Cup winner in Serie B, with former Italy great Gianluigi Buffon still playing in goal for Parma at the age of 44.
“I’m glad to face him again on the field, I’ve already scored two goals against him, why not give him a third past,” Fabregas said with a laugh.
Read also| Four challengers want to break Manchester City-Liverpool hold in the English Premier League
“The fact that there are two world champions shows that Serie B is at a high level.”
Como, which has been declared bankrupt and re-established twice over the past 18 years, is owned by UK-based media and entertainment company SENT. Entertainment Ltd from 2019.
read all breaking news And today’s fresh news Here