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Gibbs - Wenger instrumental to my career

Kieran Gibbs has described Arsene Wenger's influence on his career as "instrumental".

The Arsenal manager will take charge of his 1,000th game at the Club on Saturday when this side play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Gibbs says Wenger has given him a platform to prove himself and is determined to repay the faith he has shown in him.

"He's got a way of making you feel that you deserve to be there"

Arsene Wenger

"He's the one who's given you the chance," he told Arsenal Player. "Obviously you need that trust and want to give him that trust back.

"He's been very important [for me] and I think a lot of players will say the same. He's been instrumental and has pretty much given the platform for mine and other players' careers.

"I think it's fair to say that the players that have played under him have tried to give him everything.”

Gibbs hailed the manager’s ability to allow his players the freedom to think for themselves as one of his greatest strengths.

"He lets you learn for yourself before he tells you, which I thought was interesting,” he said. "When I first started playing in the team a good few years ago he didn't give me too much advice. He let me learn for myself and then when he needed to speak to me you listen even more.

"He's got a way of making you feel that you deserve to be there and he has a certain way of giving you confidence to play."