Warm welcome in Barcelona for prodigal son Fabregas

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Cesc Fabregas was given a massive warm welcome on Monday on his return to Barcelona.

Around 80,000 fans packed into Barca's Camp Nou stadium to see the 24-year-old Spain midfielder wear the famous blue-and-red stripes for the first time since 2003, when he left for Premier League side Arsenal.

On Sunday Arsenal and Barca officially announced Fabregas' long-awaited move back to the Camp Nou, for a fee of around 40 million euros (57 million dollars), including variables.

On Monday Fabregas underwent medical checks at the Camp Nou, signed a five-year contract, then went out onto the pitch wearing the number four shirt that coach Pep Guardiola had been reserving for him.

Guardiola has been trying to bring Fabregas back to the club since he took over as coach since 2008.

The massive turnout in the Camp Nou was helped by Monday being a public holiday throughout Spain.

Fabregas delighted the fans by juggling with the ball then saying: "I have waited a long time for this moment to arrive. This is a very special day, you know that.

"I know that many of you were disappointed when I left (in 2003) but here I am now, with a great challenge ahead, the biggest one of my life. After eight years away, I hope to give you great memories."

Fabregas could make his Barca debut on Wednesday, in the second leg of the Spanish Supercup at home to Real Madrid. The first leg, played in Madrid on Sunday, was a vibrant 2-2 draw.

He is Barca's third summer signing, after wingers Alexis Sanchez from Udinese and Kiko Femenia from Hercules.