Bacary Sagna says he’s looking forward to playing alongside Mathieu Flamini again and hailed his compatriot’s ‘warrior’ spirit.

The midfielder, who has returned to the Emirates having rejected a new contract at AC Milan, is expected to take a place on the bench against Sp*rs having impressed Arsene Wenger with his fitness during a stint training with the club.

Speaking ahead of the North London derby, Sagna, who played alongside Flamini during Arsenal’s promising but eventually fruitless 2007/08 campaign (as well as for France), told Arsenal.com:

“Mathieu is a warrior. I had the pleasure of playing with him six years ago and he is back and very motivated to play for Arsenal. I am looking forward to playing with him again.”

Well-versed in the passion of London’s premiere beauty and the beast coming together, Sagna also spoke of how much he’s looking forward to hearing the terraces recount what it is that Mrs Villas-Boas Snr does with her spare time.

“This game is one of the highlights of the season because it is a derby – we know how important it is for the fans, the club and the players to win it. The atmosphere is just magic and it will be even more magic if we win on Sunday.”

Yes, Bacary…yes it will.