Fabrice Muamba

Fabrice Muamba says he has no regrets about leaving Arsenal for Blues ahead of tomorrow's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

The midfielder comes up against the Gunners for the first time since his switch to St. Andrew's.

Arsene Wenger's side are currently perched on top of the Premier League, have reached the knockout stage of the Champions' League and are still in both domestic cup competitions.

But the 19-year-old admits that it would have been unlikely that he would have been given as many opportunities to play for the North London club as he has at St. Andrew's.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to leave Arsenal," said Muamba.

"I could have stayed if I had wanted to.

"The choice was to stay, but not be guaranteed playing week in, week out.

"So I went, and I have been playing week in, week out.

"It was the best decision and I stand by it.

Muamba in action for Arsenal

"I feel I have grown up now, yes - I can cook, I can clean!

"I was a bit lonely but it was something I was going through.

"As a boy, when you are left alone, it happens.

"I have learned from it, things I should have done and things I shouldn't have done.

"I am still growing as a man and I'm just enjoying being around here."

Asked whether he believed he could have been a regular in Arsene Wenger's side if he had remained at Arsenal he said: "It's about being patient and I was losing my patience.

"I was here last year and I played almost 35 games and when I went back to Arsenal people said 'hold on, you're not quite ready yet' and I wasn't prepared to watch other people in front of me play when I could do just that.

"That's why I thought it was best to move on and try to do something with my life really."

Muamba also insists has that joining Blues has helped him push on with his England career.

Since his arrival at St. Andrew's he has progressed to become a regular with Stuart Pearce's England under 21's.

"I had this conversation with my Dad the other day," he added.

"He said that if I had stayed at Arsenal do I really think I would have played for England Under21?

"'No, not as far as I know.

"They only pick players playing regularly in the team, that's why I came here.

"It's a pleasure and an honour to play England under-21.

"I want to keep going and we will see from there."