‘Mathieu realised what he had here’

Arsene Wenger says Mathieu Flamini's attitude convinced him to bring his compatriot back to Arsenal.

The French midfielder re-signed for the Club in the last week of the transfer window after impressing while building up his fitness at London Colney.

Wenger admits he was initially “reluctant” to pursue a deal for Flamini back but the 29-year-old's form on the training ground changed his mind.

“First of all I believe that he realised what he had here,” the boss told Arsenal Player. “When you're very young, it is difficult to understand what he had at Arsenal.

“I must say I was reluctant to sign him again but he was so honest in his statement that he wants to play the kind of football we play, that he wants to help us to win. He convinced me through his attitude and his desire in training that he will be the right signing for us.

“It was his attitude. He could have gone somewhere else. He had offers but he wanted to put it right with this club and I think he felt somewhere that he had something to bring to the piece here. He was determined to do that.”

Flamini has impressed since returning and Wenger is pleased with the understated way in which the midfielder goes about his business.

“[He is] absolutely crucial to the balance of the team,” the boss added. “He has done very well. He had not played since May and when you see how well he came in, it shows you how well, how focused and how dedicated he was in his preparation.

“He's got what is needed in every team. I wouldn't say we lacked that as much as people say but he is of course important for the balance of the team that we have players with his qualities.”