Philippe Senderos says he is looking forward to again gracing the pitch next to Cesc Fabregas.
The 29-year old Swiss defender arrived at Arsenal in 2003 at around the same time Spanish midfielder Fabregas did and the pair have shared a strong friendship ever since.
As Senderos' Aston Villa get set to take on Fabregas and his new club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the ex-Gunners centre-half says he is excited to take on his former teammate who has been in fine form since joining the Blues from Barcelona in the summer.
"It is a long friendship. He didn't speak a word of English when he moved to Arsenal," Senderos told the Birmingham Mail.
"I was next to him and trying to help him in everything he needed. But he picked it up pretty quickly.
"He is a terrific player. He speaks on the pitch better than anyone. I'm pleased for him that he is doing well at Chelsea. His dream was to go back to Spain and play for Barcelona in his home town.
"But he also now has a fantastic environment where he can develop at Chelsea. He is really happy."
