Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has said that he owes a debt of gratitude to AC Milan for helping him mature both on and off the field.

The Frenchman returned to North London in the summer following a five-year stint with the Italian giants.

"Having spent five years at Milan I have learned so much," he told UEFA.com. "Most of all I learned a lot tactically, because it's true that you learn a lot about this aspect of the game in Italy. I matured a lot personally as well.

"I'm 29 years old now and during five years at Milan I met a lot of players and many new people. I have learned so much. I feel a lot more mature and now I am much more experienced than when I was only 24."

Flamini returned from suspension to help the Gunners defeat Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.