By the end of his five-year stay at Arsenal, Denilson was far from a fan favourite.

The midfielder, tidy in possession and tactically astute, was lambasted for passing the ball sideways and not having the greatest turn of pace. In truth he wasn’t bad at setting a decent tempo for the team to play at, which the current side lacks from the base of the midfield.

The Brazilian played 153 times for Arsenal and is eager to praise manager Arsène Wenger as soon as he is brought up in the conversation.

“For me he is a great coach,” the Brazilian midfield told Sambafoot in an exclusive interview.

“It was Wenger who turned players like Fabregas into the world-class players they are today. Wenger is a professional of the highest level. I wish to thank him for everything he taught me.”

The midfielder was usually deployed as the deepest midfielder during his time with the Gunners, and his influence wasn’t valued highly enough. He appeared in all but one Premier League game in the 2008-09 season, which also saw him feature in 12 Champions League matches.

It really isn’t realised just how highly Wenger clearly thought of Denilson, who only turnde 21 halfway through that campaign.

“This is not a coach who talks a lot,” the midfielder said of Wenger. “But on the ground, his advice was invaluable. He taught me to obey tactically. However, he gave me a lot of freedom in the offensive phase. I have only positive things to say about Wenger!”

A series of loan spells with Sao Paulo from 2011-13 ended in a permanent move back to Brazil. Now playing for Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, Denilson keeps a close eye on events of London.

“I watch all the matches of Arsenal. There are many players in the team I have known. I am a true fan of the Gunners! Not especially for the team but for Wenger.

“I really hope he wins the Premier League this season as it’s been too long since Arsenal have won the title.”

Don’t we all?