Cesc Fabregas on Arsenal: 'I Will Keep the Gunner Feeling Forever'

Seeing Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas sending defence-splitting passes in a blue shirt is a sore sight for Arsenal fans. 

While Arsenal had a well-documented first-refusal clause to bring back the longtime Gunner had he left Barcelona, Arsenal ultimately passed on the opportunity and allowed him to go to London rival Chelsea. 

While there may be some lingering bitterness among Arsenal types, in an interview with Spanish publication El Pais (h/t the Press Association, via The Guardian), Fabregas again reaffirmed his love for the north London club and claimed that no matter what he achieves with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, it won't undermine his Arsenal years: 

"

Don't think I didn't think about it [playing for Arsenal's rivals when I decided to join Chelsea]. I will keep the Gunner feeling forever and I know that I will return to Highbury [Emirates Stadium] and [it] will be a special moment, but I am a committed guy. 

I remind you that I played the Champions League final against Barcelona [with Arsenal] and I swear I would have done anything to win that game — and I have been a Barcelona fan since I was a kid. 

So I know that when I play against Arsenal I will know who is my [current] team, who are my colleagues and who I defend. And I know that the Arsenal fans will understand me, I have no doubt. 

"

His words may do a bit to patch up a few Arsenal wounds and curry a bit of favour. But there's also Fabregas' infamous 2011 interview that typically makes the rounds.