Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal fans to show Cesc Fabregas respect when he returns to the Emirates on Sunday.
The Chelsea midfielder can expect a hostile reception when he steps out at the home of the Gunners for the first time since leaving the club for Barcelona four years ago.
He is now under the management of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and has been integral to the club’s success this season after signing for £30million in the summer.
Fabregas played more than 300 games for Arsenal during his time at the club and won the 2005 FA Cup while with the north Londoners.
Wenger reportedly turned down the opportunity to re-sign the 27-year-old and has told Gunners fans it is time to move on and give their former favourite a warm welcome this weekend.
He said: "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 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."
Wenger has failed to beat Mourinho in any of their previous 12 Premier League encounters, however the Arsenal manager believes he can make it unlucky number 13 for the Special One at the Emirates.
He added: “The result on Sunday will just be down to the performance on the day. We are on a good run and we have an opportunity at home to beat them and we want to take it.
“We have a good run of form and good belief and solidarity. We have passed many tests recently when we were questioned. We have another test on Sunday that we want to pass.
“Chelsea's strengths are they have been very efficient on counter attacks and set-pieces as well. We have to nullify their strengths.”
