Friday 8 May 2015 15:27, UK
Phil Thompson says Cesc Fabregas should not be booed when he makes his first return to the Emirates on Sunday since he left in June 2011.
Fabregas returned to his boyhood club Barcelona for three seasons before signing for Chelsea last summer.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday, Phil Thompson says the former Arsenal captain should be appreciated for the service he gave to the London club for eight years.
"If you’re not going to applaud him, don’t boo him. We had the same situation with Michael Owen," he said.
"When he comes back, you don't have to applaud him if you don't feel that way but don’t boo him because he’s been absolutely fantastic for Arsenal.
"He gave them great service. He’s now playing for a rival and now that he is, treat him like all the other players."
Charlie Nicholas has a different view and believes he could face a hostile reception on his return.
"I don't think he’ll get a good one [reception]. There's a whole burden. Arsenal fans could generally accept that he wanted to go back to Barcelona," he said.
"He was a superstar captain at Arsenal. I think that he was just starting to get into his peak so he was that superstar. Going back to play with these great Barcelona players was an attraction.
"Wenger didn’t know why Fabregas didn’t want to go back to Arsenal while Mourinho says he doesn’t know why he didn’t go to Arsenal but knew why he came to Chelsea - only Fabregas and they know."
Watch Arsenal v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD this Sunday from 3.30pm
