Former Arsenal defender Gilles Grimandi has spoken about the profound impact Arsène Wenger had on his career in an exclusive interview. The French midfielder, who played under Wenger at Highbury from 1997 to 2002, revealed that the legendary manager's greatest gift was his passion for football.
"What he passed on to me was his passion for football," Grimandi said in the interview published Wednesday. The 54-year-old Frenchman made 121 appearances for the Gunners during Wenger's early years in North London, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Grimandi joined Arsenal from Monaco in 1997, reuniting with Wenger who had previously managed him at the French club. The versatile midfielder became a reliable squad member during one of the most successful periods in Arsenal's history.
The full interview offers further insights into Wenger's management style and his enduring legacy on the players who worked under the Frenchman during his 22-year tenure at Arsenal.
