Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson didn't want him to leave Manchester United.

Silvestre said: "The only thing he said was that he wished me luck but was not pleased with my decision.

"After spending nine years at United it was a privilege to play for such a big club. It's also a privilege to now play for Arsenal.

"I still keep in touch with the United players. You build up strong relationships.

"This was one of the first games I put in my diary. November 8 is going to be a strange day but a lot of players have been through this and I am not worried about it."

Silvestre admits the French influence of Wenger and his close friend William Gallas played a major role in helping him to join Arsenal.

Silvestre said: "Sometimes I had William on the phone but the only French part about this move was that I spoke to Arsene Wenger in French, which was easier.

"Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have the qualities to manage a group of 25 top players and this is a great ability."