Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte has hailed former manager Arsene Wenger ahead of Arsenal's visit to the Riverside on Saturday.
Hoyte, 24, was a �3m signing from the Gunners in August and admitted that the Frenchman has been key to his progress as a footballer.
He told BBC Tees: "When I moved into the first team Arsene had a great influence on my career.
"He's very highly respected and a lot of managers look to what he's doing."
Hoyte grew-up as a Gunners fan and his younger brother Gavin is currently on the books at the Emirates Stadium.
But the former England under-21 international is adamant that his focus is on Middlesbrough, and is confident his career will progress on Teesside.
"I still speak to one or two players that I'm close to and we have a laugh and a joke, but when it comes to the game I'm focused on Middlesbrough," said Hoyte.
"All I want is three points for Middlesbrough, no matter what happens in every game I want that.
"Arsenal pushed me to where I am now and I think Middlesbrough can push me further," he added.
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