Feyenoord striker Robin van Persie has paid tribute to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Wenger has announced he will leave Arsenal at the end of this season after 22 years in the job.

Former Gunners captain Van Persie said: “People forget where Arsenal was as a club before Arsene Wenger came.

“Before 1996, the fans in England would call them 'boring Arsenal'. Arsene has not only brought success to the club, he has also made the team play fantastic football.

“Single-handedly he has changed the entire culture of the club. Every young player that arrived at the club would be told that they would get time to develop.

“He had this plan for so many seasons. And the most special thing about this was, that Arsene made it all happen! He always had patience and trust in his players.

“He certainly did with me. I made mistakes, you know, but Arsene kept supporting me.

“He made me learn from my mistakes. He would talk to me for hours. And step by step he helped me improve.

“When I first met Arsene, he told me he would give me all the opportunities I needed.

“When I say that his is my football father, I am not exaggerating. He has formed me as a man and as a player."