I will always love Arsenal, admits Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas

The 28-year-old spent eight years playing under Arsene Wenger, winning just one FA Cup.

He left for Barcelona in 2011 before returning to the Premier League to play for rivals Chelsea in a £30 million move.

But, although some Arsenal fans were angered by the switch, the midfielder insists he still has strong feelings for the Emirates club.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Spaniard also accepts Chelsea, who face Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, will have to be at their best to compete with their big-spending rivals in the Premier League.

“[Manchester] United already spent last year, Arsenal last year too. We spend, [Manchester] City maybe less, then now they spend again,” he added.

“They all want to compete and it will be for sure very difficult to retain the Premier League. There are four or five teams who can win it. We will see what happens but we know we will have to fight again.

“People will say United, City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea – there will always be divided opinions. What we have to do is maintain the levels of last season because all the teams will be better and that means we will better so we can compete against them to do well.”