Former Arsenal midfielder Denilson is grateful to Arsene Wenger for his support during his time in London.

The Brazilian was signed by Arsenal in 2006, and stayed at the club until 2013, though spent the last two years out on loan.

"My grandchildren are going to know exactly who Arsene Wenger was," Denilson told The Athletic.

"I say that because he really helped me on a personal level. We worked a lot on tactics and my technique, which really improved, especially my passing. But he also made a difference away from the pitch.

"He knew I was alone in London. I went to England with my agent at the time, but I was on my own a lot. Wenger would call me into his office for a chat every now and then, to ask me how I was doing. He really cared about me as a person, which made a real impression on me."