Spain international Cesc Fabregas has acknowledged that Thierry Henry was the prime reason behind him joining AS Monaco from Premier League side Chelsea. The 31-year-old had been starved of first-team action during the first half of the season with the Blues and this encouraged him to take up the challenge with Monaco who were then managed by former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry.

Speaking to Marca, Fabregas has admitted that Henry had influenced his decision to join the Principality outfit after indicating that he could become the leader from the centre of the park. He added that things may not have paved as planned with Henry’s sacking but believes Henry can eventually succeed as a top manager in years to come.

He said: "“One of the main reasons in me coming here was that Thierry called me“. Thierry knows me really well; he wanted me to be the leader of this team, to play every game, every minute. I played two games under him so, as you can imagine, the plan and mind goes into shock for a few days. Above all, I believe Thierry will be a top, top coach in the future and in my point of view, this is what it is. I am not “surprised about football anymore“."

Henry was appointed by Monaco during the month of October after the club made a dreadful start to the campaign under ex-boss Leonardo Jardim. However, the French tactician could not transform the club’s fortunes with just two wins resulting from the 12 league games thereafter. Owing to this, the Principality outfit took the decision to axe him from the helm with the surprise re-signing of Jardim, who had previously left the club amid the lack of transfer backing. Monaco are presently three points adrift of safety, although their fortunes could change after the winter spending.