How Wenger turned Cole into a diamond

Arsène Wenger has spoken of Arsenal as a "paradise" which Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole will never regain if they quit the club this summer. It is a bold claim but it is endorsed by the former Arsenal left-back Silvinho.

The Brazilian, who is in the squad to face Arsenal in the Champions League final tomorrow, remembers his time at Highbury with fondness.

"It was difficult to leave Arsenal as they're one of the greatest teams in the world, and I have so many good memories and good words for Arsène Wenger, David Dein and some players there. Mr Wenger is unbelievable, he is amazing. He's intelligent, smart and works very well with individual players. He's one of the best coaches in the world."

Cole, below, appears to have made his decision to quit Highbury for Real Madrid after falling out with Dein. Yet his predecessor remembers how Wenger gave the England international the confidence to become one of the world's greatest players in his position.

"He spoke to [Cole] and said: 'After Silvinho you can play left-back. You are one of the best left-backs at the club and one day will be one of the best in the world.' It's unbelievable that it's happened so quickly. He would do fine in Spain and would certainly be right for Real Madrid. Ashley could play anywhere in the world."