Cesc Fàbregas is steeling himself for a hostile reaction from Arsenal fans when Chelsea take on his former club in the Community Shield on Sunday.
The Spaniard was afforded a mixed reception on his first return to north London last April following his £27m transfer from Barcelona to José Mourinho’s side during the previous summer. Yet, as the 28-year-old gears himself up for more of the same, he believes nothing can detract from his time playing for Arsène Wenger, who helped establish the midfielder as one of the finest in Europe beforehe moved to the Camp Nou in August 2011.
“Whatever it is, it is. The love I have for that club will never change whatever happens and what is the most important is what I have with me are the memories,” said Fàbregas, who spent eight years at Arsenal. “The rest doesn’t matter. I have great memories, love and respect for the club. You will never hear anything bad from me about them.
“Of course, it is not the most important game but we want to win and compete. It is a big game, a London derby at Wembley in front of all the fans – it’s a nice competition to play in. Even if it is a pre-season game you still want to win. We are not worried that they might be fresher than us – they started 10 days before us – but we are competitors, we will want to win and it will probably be a great game.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s other new arrival, Asmir Begovic, is looking forward to beginning his career in west London despite knowing the prospect of dislodging Thibaut Courtois is a daunting one.
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