Patrick Vieira says he is not surprised that fate has conspired to take him back to Highbury.
The Juventus enforcer will return to North London at the end of March after Arsenal were paired with the Bianconeri in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals.
He admitted that it will be an emotional occasion, but added that his concentration will be focused purely on beating his former paymasters.
"At times fate can surprise you," he confessed, "but I had a feeling this might happen.
"Obviously it will be a very personal challenge for me, particularly to go back to Highbury as [a member of] the opposition.
"But, putting my emotions aside, I can only think about the fact that we have to win."
The Juventus enforcer will return to North London at the end of March after Arsenal were paired with the Bianconeri in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals.
He admitted that it will be an emotional occasion, but added that his concentration will be focused purely on beating his former paymasters.
"At times fate can surprise you," he confessed, "but I had a feeling this might happen.
"Obviously it will be a very personal challenge for me, particularly to go back to Highbury as [a member of] the opposition.
"But, putting my emotions aside, I can only think about the fact that we have to win."
