Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has paid tribute to departing coach Pat Rice.

Szczesny himself joined the Arsenal Academy in 2006 and says Rice has been a major influence during his spectacular rise to prominence.

"He has been unbelievable since I came here six years ago," the goalkeeper told Arsenal Player. "He has always been very supportive and always gave us good advice.

"We are very happy that we won the game and that he can actually celebrate. But we are very sad to see him go to be honest with you, he has been fantastic as an assistant manager or when he had to take charge of a few Champions League games this season.

"We are very sad to see him go but at the same time Steve Bould has been a very good coach for the youth team over the last few years. I have worked with him and I am confident he will do the job just as well."