‘Wenger made me a man’ – Former Arsenal star urges fans to have patience & respect manager

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has come under fire from sections of the media and his own fanbase over the past few seasons.

Wenger does however, still have his backers.

Former Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy came out in support of Wenger and urged fans to have patience with him.

Clichy went as far as to say he has Wenger to thank for becoming a man.

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“I have nothing but good things to say about Wenger,” Clichy revealed in his beIN Turkey interview.

“He was my first manager, Wenger made me a man.

“I have Wenger to thank for my career and it is horrible reading some of the stuff said about him these days.

“Sure its easy to get rid of a manager but you have to look over what he has achieved. 

“He deserves so much respect, he deserves more patience.” 

Clichy revealed that Wenger is the best manager he has worked with, which is a bold statement considering some of the coaches he has played under.

“Wenger gave me my first shot, he made me a star,” he added.

“He has a special place for me, I have worked with great managers, Mancini, Guardiola, Pellegrini, Blanc but I would say Wenger stands out among them, he is special compared to them, I would put him in his own bracket.”

Clichy made 261 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

The experienced full-back was part of the last Gunners side that lifted the Premier League back in 2004.

The 32-year-old has won three Premier League titles – one with Arsenal, two with City.

Clichy left Manchester City for Basaksehir over the summer and has hit the ground running at his new side.

The experienced full-back has three assists in 18 appearances for last seasons Super Lig runners-up.

The Istanbul based outfit are currently second in the league, just three points behind leaders Galatasaray.