Transfer information in Ligue 1: Fabregas admits the move to Monaco was mainly for Henry

Cesc Fabregas said the presence of his former Arsenal teammate, Thierry Henry, was one of the main reasons he had decided to join Monaco – only to see him sacked two weeks later.

Fabregas signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Principality's club on January 11, after struggling for a first regular team in Chelsea.

Before his departure, Fabregas would then play only three matches with the former French striker.

Henry was initially suspended by Monaco last Thursday before his dismissal was confirmed 24 hours later.

Leonardo Jardim – whom Henry succeeded in October – was then renamed in his place.

Fabregas has since revealed how Henry played a crucial role in his decision to trade West London for the French Riviera.

"I'm not going to lie, one of the main reasons for my arrival in Monaco is that Thierry called me," said Fabregas, who played alongside Henry at Arsenal between 2003 and 2011. "He wanted me to play every game, every minute."

There was much hope when Henry left his Belgian badistant post to take over in Monaco, in his first leadership role last fall.

However, he would have a difficult time with the Ligue 1 club, achieving only five wins in 20 matches in all competitions and failing to move them away from the relegation zone.

His last league match was a 5-1 home win against Strasbourg at home last weekend, leaving the club 19th and three points for safety.

Three days later, Monaco was eliminated from the Coupe de France after a 3-1 defeat at home against Metz.

Despite his boring experience and short experience as a manager, Fabregas encouraged Henry to get up.

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"We are sad for" Titi "because I really think he'll be a great coach, I'm sure," added Fabregas.

"Football does not wait and maybe it was not the right time or it did not have time to accomplish all its projects and all that it wanted to do, it's life, it happens. "

Jardim failed to inspire an immediate recovery of Monegasque fortune. The club lost 2-0 away to Dijon in their first match at the head of Saturday.