Rio Ferdinand posts classy tribute to Cesc Fabregas as he prepares to depart Chelsea

Rio Ferdinand is the latest footballer to show his appreciation for Cesc Fabregas as the Spain midfielder prepares to leave Chelsea.

In emotional scenes at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas was given a standing ovation when he was substituted during the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest.

After the match, the midfielder was last to leave the pitch as he stayed behind to tearfully applaud the fans who chanted his name as he his five-year stay looks set to come to an end.

The 31-year-old is expected to travel to Monaco and complete a move to the Ligue 1 strugglers, who are managed by his former Arsenal colleague Thierry Henry.

During his time with Arsenal, Fabregas regularly crossed paths with Ferdinand and it is clear the Spaniard left an impression on the ex-England defender.

Ferdinand shared a picture of himself and Fabregas to his 3.5million followers on Instagram, showing the two as captains prior to a Champions League semi-final between Manchester United and Arsenal in 2009.

The message began: “When he 1st came onto the scene at Arsenal this kid played like a seasoned vet…

“He was calm, assured, had guile & the belief that he was absolutely ready to play.

“Yes he was playing very early but he was also creating chances/goals which was on top of the things I mentioned above that really set him apart from just a young kid playing in the 1st team in the @premierleague…

“Went on to have a great career for clubs & country.

“I got to spend some time with him off the pitch during this years World Cup & he’s a top guy too.

“Good luck in whatever club you decide to go to @cescf4bregas.”

David Luiz and Eden Hazard were also among players to pay tribute with the latter saying he was lucky to have played alongside Fabregas.

“In five years I can say that I was lucky to play with him,” Hazard told reporters on Saturday.

“Since the beginning when he came, we saw it the first year, we won the double together.

“Top guy on the pitch, off the pitch, a great friend of mine. I hope he will have a good future.

“He’s a bit old now! But he’s still very good and he will enjoy.”