Lukas Podolski has urged Arsenal's current crop of stars to 'connect' with the fans if they are to be successful on the field.
The German striker was a fan favourite during his time at Arsenal, and helped the club win the FA Cup in 2014.
Arsenal have gone through significant changes since Podolski's departure the following year, most notably in the dugout.
But Podolski feels Mikel Arteta has the potential in his ranks to bring back the glory days to the club, though admits the players must build on their relationship with the supporters.
"My time at Arsenal, I really enjoyed it because it is a special club," Podolski said to Adidas.
"To play for a special club like this is motivating. Arsenal is one of the big five teams in the world.
"It is always important to connect with everything. Players left, managers left, but the fans are always there."
Arteta faces a busy summer at Arsenal as he bids to reverse the club's recent fortunes.
The Spaniard returned to The Emirates with the club under a cloud, following Granit Xhaka's public fallout with the Gunners' fans which fuelled an already toxic atmosphere.
But there have been positive signs at Arsenal since Arteta's appointment in December, namely a New Years' Day win over Man Utd which offered promise for what's to come.
Asked whether he feels Arteta can turn things round, Podolski said: "It depends on running, on fighting spirit.
"You see there is more [of a] team on the pitch, [plus] with the fans. With this potential we have to play every year in the Champions League, fight for the title. Every year.
"We have to invest and Mikel, with his team around can do a great job next season."
Ian Wright’s interview is part of the adidas #hometeam campaign, for more information visit https://www.adidas.co.uk/hometeam
