The London stars: The players who shone with Chelsea and Arsenal shirt

Chelsea and Arsenal. Two of the major symbols of London city and two historical clubs in English football. Over the years, the history of many of England's best players has crossed the destinies of the two clubs that will fight for the FA Cup on Saturday. Wembley pitch will witness some of these cases on Sunday, which wore the blue and the red shirt.

David Luiz will be the defense leader in the Arsenal, but the Brazilian defended the Blues jersey for seven seasons. On the other side, but very close to David Luiz, there will be Olivier Giroud, who will most likely play in Chelsea's attack. The Frenchman played for five years with the red shirt and will have a mission to help the blues on Sunday.

But throughout history, many other big names add color to this story. Get to know the great stars who shone with Chelsea and Arsenal.

Ashley Cole

One of the best left-backs in English football has shone for both clubs in London.

At Arsenal, Ashley Cole was a key player in the team led by Wenger, alongside Henry or Pires. He played 228 games for Arsenal, scored nine times, won two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups, being part of the "invincible" team that is still unheard in England so far.

In 2006, at the highlight of his career, he moved to Chelsea, in a millionaire transfer that took Gallas to Arsenal. In the Blues, Cole worked with José Mourinho and became the best in the world in his position. He played 338 games, won the Premier League, four more FA Cups and found European glory winning the Champions League and Europa League.

William Gallas

The tempestuous French defender joined Arsenal in the deal that involved Ashley Cole after five seasons with Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League, being part of the team guided by José Moutinho who won back-to-back titles. It was probably the best moments of Gallas' career. A curious fact: At Arsenal, he wears the number 10 shirt, despite playing as a defender. He spent four seasons in the club before heading to another London giant: Tottenham.

Petr Cech

He made 494 appearances with Chelsea and became a true club legend by winning four Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a Europa League, breaking some records in the process. He was at Stamford Bridge for 11 seasons and is still the goalkeeper with the clean sheets in the Premier League history: 202.

In 2015 he moved to Arsenal, his best times belong to Chelsea memories. He ended up losing his starting 11 spot to Bern Leno, which precipitated his withdrawal.

Fabregas

He started playing for Barcelona youth academy, ​​but it was in London that under the guidance of Arsene Wenger Cesc Fabregas become a world-class player. He spent eight seasons in the club and became a true idol, before returning to Barcelona to fulfill the dream.

Later, the world champion return to London, but this time to play with Chelsea and won titles including two Premier Leagues and a Europa League.

Nicolas Anelka

Anelka arrived at Arsenal at a very young age (17) but he did not take too long before he became one of the most exciting players in the league. The explosive striker scored 17 goals in the second season at the club and become Premier League champion (1998). The performances were so impressive that they drew the Real Madrid attention, where he would move three years after the sign for Arsenal. 

Later, in 2007, after playing for PSG, Liverpool, and Manchester City, Anelka would play for Chelsea, where he would win again the Premier League and also become a European club champion.

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