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Current Chelsea Midfielder Admits He 'Disliked' John Terry While He Was Playing for Arsenal

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​Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he "disliked" Chelsea defender John Terry while playing for rivals Arsenal.

The Spanish midfielder later became a teammate of Terry at Chelsea, joining the Blues in 2014 from Barcelona.

And after the former England captain and long-serving Chelsea centre-back left the club following the end of last season, Fabregas revealed that he always had respect for a player that has often proved divisive.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Cesc Fabregas and John Terry of Chelsea enjoy the atmosphere duing the Chelsea FC Premier League Victory Parade on May 25, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Cesc Fabregas and John Terry of Chelsea enjoy the atmosphere duing the Chelsea FC Premier League Victory Parade on May 25, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

"He is the type of player that I had many battles with," he told ​Sky Sports. "I disliked him very much at some point playing for Arsenal, we had a lot of confrontations, but one thing I always had for him was respect."

The duo went on to win two Premier League titles together in three seasons at Chelsea, and presumably repaired their relationship after their time as London rivals.

Terry bid an emotional farewell to the club on the final day of the Premier League season, substituted in the 26th minute against Sunderland with the title already secured.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: John Terry of Chelsea salutes the crowd after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: John Terry of Chelsea salutes the crowd after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

And manager Antonio Conte has paid tribute to the experienced defender, who has since joined Championship side Aston Villa.

"I think it was maybe the most difficult season for him, for a lot of reasons," he said. "He showed to be before a great man and then a great player. He showed he will always be a great captain for this team and I have to tell him a big, big, big thanks."

The 36-year-old started just six games in the Premier League but lifted the trophy on the final day of the season.

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