Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was the most influential coach of his career.

Wenger brought Fabregas from Barcelona to Arsenal's academy as a 16-year-old in 2003, trusting him with a vital role in his midfield.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Fabregas said: "Arsene Wenger was probably the most important because he gave me the real chance, the chance that everyone needs and everyone wants.

"After that it's up to you to prove that they are right, they are wrong, it's in your hands, but he gave me the chance.

"He took me when I was only 16 - he made me a better player, a better person. I always considered him like a father figure, like a second father.

"The way he treated me it's not normal nowadays in football because everything is so fast, everyone is so impatient - you need results now.

"And for that Wenger is a special manager and a special person, and without him I wouldn't be here right now."