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Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas insisted he still had huge respect for Arsenal fans despite getting a hostile reception from some of them as he helped condemn the Gunners to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas put in a fine performance against his old club in the Barclays Premier League contest and provided a wonderful pass from which Diego Costa notched the hosts' second goal.
Asked afterwards if the victory had been sweeter given the negativity aimed towards him by some Arsenal supporters, the Spain international told Sky Sports 1: "Not at all.
Chelsea v Arsenal - player ratings
"I have huge respect for Arsenal - they gave me everything when I was little. Without them I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't have won what I have won.
"I have huge respect and I take it in a positive way. I know they love me and it is all because we were together once.
"Sometimes, circumstances mean these things can happen. But I have always said it - I am not scared. They will always be in my heart forever.
"But this is football, I am in this fantastic football club now playing with great players, a great coach and great fans and I want to win everything.
"I am hungry and really want to do well for this club. I hope I can make it in the future."
