Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is proud of his time with Manchester United star Robin van Persie.

Rather than resent the manner of Van Persie's acrimonious departure, Wenger prefers to take pride in a young man who arrived at Arsenal as damaged goods and blossomed into one of the finest strikers in world football.

The Frenchman said: "Part of my job as a manager is to have a positive influence on people's lives. And when you manage to do that, you are always kind of satisfied.

"I think my influence on Robin was not too bad but we will only know how much United have benefited from his presence at the end of the season. Seeing him move to another English club was not exactly what I wished for but this match is not all about Robin van Persie.

"At Arsenal we do not even talk about him because I am focused on doing well with the players I have.

"To start thinking about how much we miss Robin will not help us."