Well, then. Cesc is a Blue. It’s been rumored for weeks and Pique let the cat out of the bag earlier this month, but now it’s official. His statement from Facebook after the jump.
Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed 3 wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.
I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for me to return. Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future.
I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can’t wait to start playing.
It was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy.
So what say you, Gunners, Blues & Cules? (and of course Neutrals).
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
Disappointed he signed for a rival. That said, since Wenger declined his option, I’m hoping something huge is in the works.
Looks like y’all may be raiding our cookie jar if the rumors are true.
Being a madridista makes me a neutral in this case, but as a fan of Cesc’s talent and football skills, I think he made the right choice…Barca might be his beloved childhood club, but I always got the feeling he was not fully appreciated as a player.. he had to play in many different positions that were not his own and was not really given much playtime. He seemed to struggle to find his place in this team (maybe because of barca’s playing style). That said, I think he made a good decision going back to the EPL even though it must have been a tough one given his love for barca and his past in arsenal.. I really hope it works out for him since he has plenty of talent and can be decisive for his team when in top form, so all I wish him is good luck!
Didn’t see this one coming to be honest. I though he will stay at Barcelona till the retirement.