Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says African players have had a massive influence on his career.

Wenger has marked 20 years at Arsenal this week.

“African players had a massive impact on my career because I always managed them right from the moment I started in the top league in France," said Wenger.

“I had African players at Monaco and I like the fact that they were creative and they are usually attacking players with imagination. They have pace and power as well, and they usually combine strength and agility well. That's very difficult to find.

“Africans are hugely passionate people and there is a big passion in Africa for the game. They are happy on the football pitch and that's something which has been fantastic for us.

“Kanu had a massive impact here, Kolo Toure too, I had George Weah too… so all these players had a massive impact."