Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that playing against his former club Nagoya Grampus was a "special event" for him.

The Gunners ran out 3-1 winners over their Japanese opponents this afternoon as part of their pre-season preparations.

Wenger, who managed Grampus for a year before joining Arsenal in 1996, felt that his side performed well in the first half before tailing off in the second, but was pleased to see a full stadium for a friendly match.

"It was a game played at a good pace. Of course it was a special event and the stadium was full," Wenger told the club's official website.

"We played with greater fluency, especially in the first half and we created chances. We lost a bit of cohesion in the second half and were not able to maintain that pace. Overall it was very interesting for us from the first to the last minute."

Meanwhile, Wenger has denied reports linking the club with a move for Brazilian striker Bernard.