Cohen Bramall thankful for the support he got from Wenger

Bramall’s life was turned around in January 2017 when the Gunners signed him from the Pitmen after an impressive trial spell.

Ultimately, things did not work out for the left-back at the Emirates – being released at the end of last season.

He has since found success at Colchester, though, and played as they lost 3-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

And Bramall said on former Arsenal chief Wenger: “I didn’t expect anything.

“But we did sprinting (while I was on trial), and I thought ‘this is my time to shine’.

“I remember him watching me, clocking me, and he has always been welcoming and warm towards me.

“He has just blessed me, really. That’s the word for me. He has blessed me – and my whole family.

“He’s backing you constantly and wants you to do well.

“I learnt a lot from him. I can’t repay him for what he’s done for me. He’s made me a better player and a better human being as well.”

Bramall was sent out on loan to Birmingham from Arsenal but did not feature regularly.

“The first six months at Arsenal were my happiest in football as I was playing week in, week out (for the under-23s),” he said.

Bramall added: “Right now, it’s about being happy and playing football.

“If I had the opportunity to take the money or playing, I’d 100 per cent play – all day long.”