Mathieu Flamini missed the way Arsenal play, says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Mathieu Flamini wanted to re-join Arsenal because he missed the Gunners’ style of play.

The French midfielder signed a three-year deal with the north Londoners this summer after originally leaving the club on a free transfer to join AC Milan in 2008.

Flamini, 29, has impressed with his performances since returning to Emirates Stadium, and Wenger believes the midfielder is more tactically astute thanks to his spell in Serie A.

“Yes [he has improved tactically] because in Italy it’s all more calculated,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “In England it’s more drive and enthusiasm. He has a good mixture.

“He wanted to come back because he missed the way we play. It didn’t create any big headlines when he came back but I always feel the best way to make headlines is the quality of your display because people will notice.

“He integrated very well into the spirit, the solidarity and the hunger of the team. And he accepts [the need] to have a real team attitude, something that I find quite normal. That is of course very important for the success of any team.”