Arsenal vs Chelsea: Arsene Wenger reveals Cesc Fabregas 'regret'

Spaniard returns this weekend for the first time since departing for Barcelona in 2011

Cesc Fabregas and Arsene Wenger together in 2011 (Getty)

Arsene Wenger has expressed regret at Cesc Fabregas leaving Arsenal in 2011.

The then Gunners captain opted to move to Barcelona in a £30m deal despite the club wanting to retain his services.

This weekend he will return to the Emirates for the first time as visitors Chelsea look to move a step closer to winning the league title.

Despite some fans being disappointed by Fabregas' move to Chelsea - which came only after Arsenal opted not to take up their option to sign him when Barcelona indicated they were ready to sell - Wenger has called on fans to show the World Cup winner respect.

"I want every player to be respected, and Cesc Fabregas when he comes to the Emirates on Sunday to be respected like he deserves," the Arsenal manager said.

"The regret I have is that he wanted to leave here. This club and myself had a very positive influence on Cesc's life, so I would be a bit uncomfortable to have to justify today why he is not here.

"I believe I would rather it was the other way around."

Cesc Fabregas wearing the shirt of Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

It remains to be seen what sort of reaction the former crowd favourite will receive from home supporters on Sunday, but Wenger feels it should not be hostile.

Victory for Chelsea would put them just one win away from the Premier League title, whilst victory for the Gunners would keep alive their slim hopes of catching the Blues.