Back in the day Ashley Cole was given dogs’ abuse for going from Arsenal to Chelsea, but there just seems to be no proper animosity now from fans towards former players. Cech, David Luiz, Giroud and now Havertz have all gone to the other side, but no one really seems to care and all those listed seem to still be well respected by their former club (apart from Havertz, who no one seems to care about either way).
Why has this rivalry died off? Arsenal and Tottenham players would never transfer to each other, nor Man United players to city or liverpool etc.
It hurt with Cashley and Fabregas
You cant compare these transfers.
Ashley Cole was an academy player, a youngster who grew into the team, he was an Arsenal fan growing up. Him leaving is like if Bukayo Saka left now to Chelsea. You would see “proper animosity” then, trust me.
Have you not seen the Havertz hate? Chelsea fans celebrate a Havertz bad touch like it’s 3 points
It’s a case by case basis, depends on the player and the circumstances at the time but what tends to be mutual and consistent is that we wish whoever makes the switch nothing but the worst (at club level).