Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna believes former team-mate William Gallas deserves a warm welcome when Tottenham visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Gallas, 33, brought his four-year stint with the Gunners to an end in the summer and, in search of regular first-team football, subsequently agreed a contract with bitter rivals Spurs.
But Sagna insists his fellow Frenchman should not be jeered by Arsenal supporters when he makes his return the Emirates.
He said: “During the time (Gallas) played for Arsenal he always did well. He deserves a good reception from the fans because he always did well for Arsenal and was very professional.”
Sagna added: “On the pitch there is a war, but off the pitch we are all friends.
“I am not angry at him because he signed for our rivals. He was always very professional and he always gave everything.
“Football is football, I am not furious against him. William needed to leave to play football and that is what he loves.”
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