Arsenal reportedly had first refusal on Fabregas when Barcelona decided to sell him but passed up the chance to re-sign their youth product.
Instead he joined Chelsea for £30million and has earned the Blues five goals and 19 assists in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
But asked if he regretted not re-signing the Spaniard, Wenger insisted it was only the player’s initial departure that stayed in his mind.
“The regret I have is that he wanted to leave here,” Wenger said.
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Cesc Fabregas left Arsenal in 2011
“This club and myself had a very positive influence on Cesc’s life, so I would be a bit uncomfortable to have to justify today why he is not here.
“I believe I would rather it was the other way around.”
Fabregas forced a move to Barca in 2011 in search of trophies, which he won in abundance as the Nou Camp club clinched the Liga title, Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup.
And asked if he will get a bad reception from the Arsenal faithful when he steps onto the Emirates pitch in a blue shirt on Sunday (4pm), Wenger said he hoped that wouldn’t be the case.
“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.
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