The defender, aged just 22, collapsed during a match against Getafe last month, and later died in hospital.

Sevilla have only just returned to action following a national outpouring of grief for Puerta, who was well respected within Spain and had helped his club win the UEFA Cup last season.

Fabregas, 20, knew Puerta from their time together within the international set-up.

The Gunners host Sevilla in their opening group game of the Champions League at Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.

Fabregas believes the Spanish side will have "extra motivation" to do well in what is their first appearance in the full European Cup for almost half a century.

"We made our debuts together for the under-21s together. Antonio was a great guy," said Fabregas.

"It was a big shock for everybody, for all of Spain because he was such a great guy with so much potential. For his family it is terrible.

"Everyone loved him and he was only 22."

Fabregas added: "Sevilla will be professional and they have to keep going. They are going well in the league and I do not think it will change anything because they are a great side.

"The tragedy could be one extra motivation, of course.

"He always wanted to play in the Champions League and this was the first time in a long time they had qualified. For them it is very special."