Cesc Fabregas admits he loved the success he achieved at Chelsea but will always maintain his allegiance to Arsenal. As both clubs prepare for another fierce London encounter this afternoon, Fabregas has been evasive about which side he'd be on for the fixture. The former midfielder represented both London clubs throughout his career, initially joining Arsenal as a teenager. The Spaniard remained in north London for eight years after leaving Barcelona's youth set-up for the Gunners in 2003.

Despite his extended spell and elevation to club captain in 2008, Fabregas secured only the FA Cup and the Community Shield. By contrast, the midfielder moved to Chelsea from Barcelona in 2014 and remained for five years in blue, claiming considerably more silverware. This includes two Premier League titles, the League and FA Cup and the Europa League. During a conversation with The Telegraph in 2020, Fabregas stated he holds equal affection for both sides of the rivalry.

"My heart belongs to both clubs," he said. "I know it sounds politically correct, but it really is what I feel. When I was with Arsenal I never believed I...