“You will always be a Cub”: Cubs fans welcome back Anthony Rizzo

This will be an emotional and nostalgic weekend at Wrigley Field.

Chicagoans will not only experience something very special when two of the most traditional MLB teams (Cubs, Yankees) compete against each other in the cathedral that is Wrigley Field.

But it also marks the return of some of the Cubs’ key players – Kerry Wood, Aramis Ramírez and Anthony Rizzo.

Wood and Ramirez are the latest inductees to receive the honor and are in town this weekend for the Cubs Hall of Fame celebration.

Rizzo will one day have his place in the Cubs Hall of Fame, but for now he's still chasing another World Series ring with the Yankees.

For the first time since being traded to the Yankees in July 2021, Rizzo will return to Wrigley Field and have the opportunity to interact with Cubs fans in Chicago.

Rizzo was the face of the Cubs franchise for a decade from 2012 to 2021, playing more than 1,300 regular season games and then another 39 playoff games in the Cubs uniform.

Of course, Rizzo was a key part of the team that ended a 108-year championship drought by hitting .360 in the World Series and catching Kris Bryant's final out in Game 7.

Cubs fans have waited more than three years to welcome back one of the most beloved characters in franchise history.

“We miss you,” said one fan.

“Thank you,” said another.

Rizzo has spent the last three years or more with the Yankees, but that won't stop loyal Cubs fans from cheering him on.

He is likely to receive thunderous applause on Friday afternoon.

“Cubs fans will never forget you,” said one fan. “You did a great job for the team. No matter what uniform you wear for the rest of your career, you will always be a Cubs player to us. Thank you.”

[WATCH: Cubs fans welcome back Anthony Rizzo]

Cubs fans also looked back at Rizzo's best moments and what he meant to the fans.

One fan believes Rizzo belongs in the same breath as players like Ron Santo and Mark Grace.

“I talk to a lot of older Cubs fans and they talk about Santo and Grace and guys like that,” one fan said. “And for me and a lot of younger Cubs fans, Anthony is really the one that sparked the passion to be a Cubs fan.”

Rizzo's heart is especially dear to Cubs fans.

“I think that door will always be open in Chicago,” Rizzo told AP. “I have a lot of respect for the fans there and I have a lot of love for them and the Cubs.”

Watch the full video of fans welcoming Rizzo on the Marquee Sports Network app.