Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has told Tutto Mercato Web that he loved his time with Arsenal – and joked about Tottenham Hotspur fans.
Szczesny, now 27, emerged in the ranks of Legia Warsaw in his native Poland before joining Arsenal at the age of just 15, with Arsene Wenger's men clearly spotting potential in the goalkeeper.
Szczesny went on to rack up nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners, winning two FA Cups during his time with the club before Petr Cech's arrival saw him head to Italy in search of first-team football.
A two-year loan spell with Roma saw him impress in Serie A, and Juventus swooped last summer to land him, bringing him as the heir apparent to Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon.
Having played for Arsenal for so long, Szczesny has strong ties to the North London club, and that makes the upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal's bitter rivals Tottenham all the more important for the Polish international.
Ahead of the two-legged last 16 clash, Szczesny has told Tutto Mercato Web that London remains his second home, and it was the best experience for him as it made him become a man quickly.
Szczesny was told that everybody appreciates him, but he jokes that he isn't exactly loved by Tottenham fans, meaning he hasn't quite forgotten his rivalry with Spurs supporters ahead of their imminent meeting.
"I think the London experience was the most impressive," said Szczesny. "I arrived at 15 without a mother, without help. An important experience also as a man, because I became a man quickly. An important experience, in fact London is home to me, my second home. Also because I have many friends and people who have been close to me. It was a nice experience."
"Not so much by the Tottenham fans!" he joked when told that he is appreciated