Arsene Wenger: Fabregas to Chelsea move was done long time before it was made official

Wenger never wanted Fabregas to leave Arsenal

Arsene Wenger urges fans not to boo Cesc Fabregas on his return to the Emirates as Arsenal face Chelsea at home this Sunday.

Former Arsenal captain has been crucial to Chelsea's successful league campaign this season after signing for the Blues last summer.

With Wenger adding a clause in Fabregas' contract when he moved to Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011, suggesting Arsenal gets a first refusal on his future services, it came as a big surprise when the Spaniard move to Chelsea ahead of the current season.

When asked why he did not sign the Spanish midfielder when he was available last summer Wenger said:

"We will have to discuss that one day. With all the terms, it's not as clean as that. But I cannot speak to you about that now because that will not help us to win the game on Sunday."

The Arsenal boss then hinted that Fabregas' transfer deal with Chelsea was done long before he knew about it.

"It was not a subject for us.

"I believe his decision was already made. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014. I didn't speak to him directly.

"I was informed that he might go to Chelsea but when I was informed I thought the deal was already done."

Nevertheless, Wenger wants the home fans to treat the 27-year-old midfielder with all the respect he deserves as he returns to the Emirates for the first time as a Chelsea player.

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