Jack Wilshere has revealed he was left "really upset" by Cesc Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal two years ago.
Spanish role model Fàbregas returned to Barcelona in 2011, and Wilshere believes Arsenal felt the loss of the midfielder more keenly than Robin Van Persie's exit.
The Dutchman's goals secured the Barclays Premier League title for Manchester United last term, but Wilshere lauded Fàbregas.
Fàbregas consoles Wilshere after Arsenal's 2011 Champions League elimination in Barcelona
"The one I was really upset about leaving was Fàbregas, I learned so much from just watching him," he said during Arsenal's Google Hangout. "He's similar to me starting at a young age.
"I was the most upset about him leaving. But to arrive I'm excited about (Mesut) Özil, he's settled in nicely.
"His first game away at Sunderland he got an assist and was man of the match. He plays the Arsenal way and I think there's a lot more to come.
"He's so comfortable on the ball, right foot, left foot. If you look at his stats he runs the most, he makes it look easy but that only masks how hard he works."