Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has praised manager Arsene Wenger for helping him to "grow as a player and a man".

The 31-year-old joined the Gunners in 2010, having impressed Wenger with his performances at Lorient, who were then playing in the second tier of French football.

"He was the man who gave me the chance to move to a big club," Koscielny told Goal.com. "He took the risk of buying me in a small club and make me grow as a player and man.

"He managed his bet I think I try to prove that he was right to trust me.

"I want to give him back that, but I'm not the only example, there have been many. He did a great job during his years at Arsenal."

Wenger has just celebrated 20 years in charge of the London side.

Written by
Neil Wilkes