Cesc Fabregas sends message to Arsenal fans ahead of Chelsea showdown

Cesc Fabregas has told Arsenal fans that the north London club will always hold a special place in his heart ahead of Saturday’s crunch showdown at Chelsea.

The 29-year-old spent eight years with the Gunners before opting to return to his boyhood club Barcelona in the summer of 2011.

Fabregas returned to the Premier League in 2014 when he signed for Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea, before helping the Blues win the title under Jose Mourinho in his first season at the club.

The Spaniard could be set to come up against his former club once again this weekend when Antonio Conte’s men host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

And the midfielder has lifted the lid on how he really feels about Arsenal ahead of the Premier League showdown.

Speaking in a revealing YouTube interview with Natacha Tannous, Fabregas said: “Yes, forever [Arsenal will hold a special place in my heart].

“There are some things that will never change. Many things have been said about me, about Arsenal… I don’t really care what people think about me anymore. It’s just about what I feel towards them [Arsenal].

“Arsene Wenger especially and Arsenal Football Club gave me, I would say, everything. I will always forever be grateful.”

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Chelsea are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table and are the heavy favourites to win the title.