Ligue 1+ arranged the surprise for its consultant, who played under Wenger at Arsenal, and Diaby was visibly moved to see him.
“Immense pleasure to see the boss again, honestly, you gave me a huge surprise. Very happy to see you again, boss.
"He is someone who has counted enormously for me, and as I have always said, I will never be grateful enough to you for giving me the chance to play at the very highest level, it will be forever engraved.”
Wenger, now in charge of global football development at FIFA, had only warm words in return, recalling a talented player whose career was repeatedly interrupted by injury.
“When you saw him young, it was much harder to see what he didn’t have (in qualities) than what he had. He had the size, the acceleration, the dribbling, the sense of the game... we went through quite a few difficult moments together because he was often injured, and extremely courageous in coming back.
"He was always unanimous at the club for his mindset, and his exceptional talent. (…) Apparently he is also good (as a pundit), he is gifted at everything, this man,” Wenger smiled. “Do I validate him? Yeah, I validate. He is hardworking and intelligent, that helps.”
The former Arsenal manager was also a surprise guest on the Ligue 1+ broadcast of the game on Saturday, where he was asked about Zidane’s arrival as head of the France national team.
“He is well in his role, everyone is waiting for him, there is still a base in France that makes it very hard not to do well. Then, between a semi-final and a final of a World Cup, there are years when it works, others not. But there are lots of expectations, so he is under pressure, but he is used to it, he has known that his whole career.
"In any case, we wish him all the best because we love a France team that wins.”