Arsene Wenger has revealed how much he admires India’s “special culture” ahead of this year’s Diwali celebrations.

The five-day Hindu and Sikh festival to honour light, knowledge and good nature is underway, and the Arsenal manager has always had a “big respect” for India's values.

“I am an admirer of Indian culture because, historically, through [Mahatma] Gandhi, when you are a young boy you learn about [his non-violence principles] and it has a special meaning to you,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"Hard work is an essential quality in every society. That provokes a big respect." Arsene Wenger

“When you are a very young boy you think you have to fight violence with violence and you never forget about a guy who gives you that [peaceful] example.

"It makes you curious about Indian culture as well because they have their special culture with the different strands in society. It's a very interesting one.

“On the other hand, when you look here, there is a very big Indian community in England and they are all hard-working people. All of them are doing very well in society, so you always respect that when you know that. Hard work is an essential quality in every society. That provokes a big respect.”