Ex-Arsenal hero Cesc Fabregas has heaped praise on his former side and manager Arsene Wenger in the build up to Chelsea’s clash with the Gunners
The 29-year-old spent eight years at the North London side but is now seen by many fans as a traitor for joining the Blues
FORMER Arsenal hero Cesc Fabregas has once again paid tribute to Arsene Wenger as Chelsea host the Gunners on Saturday.
The 29-year-old was made skipper of the North London side aged just 21, and will never forget how Wenger developed him as a player.
In eight years playing for Arsenal, Fabregas made 303 appearances and scored 57 goals - including hitting 19 in all competitions during the 2009/10 campaign.
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However even though he was idolised by the red half of London, fans' opinions of the Spanish international have plummeted since he signed for the Blues.
After rejoining childhood side Barcelona in 2011, supporters couldn't believe that their once star signed for one of their main rivals - Fabregas has been booed in his last three visits to the Emirates Stadium.
Even though he is now seen by many as a traitor, Fabregas has declared he will always hold the Gunners in his hearts - especially Arsene Wenger.
He said in an interview on YouTube: "There's something that will never change. There's many things said about me, about Arsenal.
"I don't really care what people think about me any more. It's just about what I feel towards them.
"Arsenal will always be the team that believed in me the most. I was a young kid, 16 years old, playing for Barcelona.
"Arsene Wenger, especially, and Arsenal Football Club, gave me everything.
"Without them I would not be a World Cup winner, a European Championship winner. And I would not have experienced all of this that I'm doing in my life.
"I will always forever be grateful."
Arsenal face Chelsea in Saturday's early kick-off, where they hope to end their rivals 10-match winning run at home.
A win for the home side will see them lead the Gunners by 12 points, and all but end their chances of a first Premier league title since 2004.