Fans should respect Cole - Wenger - Sport in brief

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The England left-back is expected to receive a hostile reception on his first visit to the Emirates Stadium since his controversial transfer to Jose Mourinho's side in August, which involved William Gallas going the other way.

But Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "I feel you have to respect the desire of the player - and it was to leave. You do not always look at the fact that you have lost a player, you look at what the player has achieved for the club. He achieved a lot, you must respect that. I want them (the fans) to remember what he did for the club."

The decision of Cole - a graduate of the Gunners' academy - to leave sparked a barrage of criticism from supporters accusing the defender of betrayal.

He was booed by away supporters throughout the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in December on what was his first appearance against his former side.

But Wenger would prefer to remember the part Cole played in their successes, helping the Gunners to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

The Arsenal boss, who revealed he has spoken to the player since his move to the current champions, believes the fans only have "sour" feelings towards Cole because they wanted him to see out his career at the club.

"The fans loved the player. They would have loved him to stay at the club all the way through his career. When this does not happen they feel a little bit sad, sour and betrayed.

"That's not the intention of the player. He was not happy here anymore so he decided to move. That does not take away what he achieved for the club."