Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has paid tribute to former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

Dein was responsible for bringing Fabregas to Highbury back in 2003 and the two have clearly remained friends despite ending their professional relationship with the Gunners.

The pair dined together yesterday and Cesc took to Instagram to confirm the meeting.

"Great dinner with the first man to sign me professionally," he posted.

Fabregas also hinted that Dein's departure from Arsenal in 2008 played a role in his eventual exit from the Emirates in 2011.

"It was never the same after you left," the 31-year-old continued in reference to the team's downturn in form after Dein's decision to resign.