Denilson, a former captain of Brazil at youth level, never fulfilled his potential after joining the Gunners in 2006 and spoke about how poor mental health and culture shock impacted his career in London.
"I suffered a lot, honestly," the 32-year-old told The Athletic. "In the first year everything was new to me, but from the second or third year I found it all a lot more difficult.
"The weather was depressing. The people... I lived in St Albans, in an estate with five houses, and I didn't know a single one of my neighbours.
"Sometimes I flew friends over to stay with me, but it wasn't the same. I felt low and I couldn't focus 100 percent on my work.
"I wanted people around me, loves ones: my dad, brothers and sister. My form really fell off a cliff, and that was down to the psychological side of things. There were some good moments during those five years, but I wasn't able to produce what I was capable of.
"Gilberto Silva always used to invite me round to his house, but I would feel awkward about it. He had his whole family with him and I didn't want to get in his way.
"So I would stay locked up at home. Alone. Watching Prison Break.
The Brazilian bears no ill will towards Arsenal, who he says "did what they could", arranging an English language tutor and helping out with the life admin that comes with moving to a new country.
"My grandchildren are going to know who Arsene Wenger was. I say that because he really helped me on a personal level.
"He knew I was alone in London. He would call me into his office for a chat every now and then to ask how I was doing. He really cared about me as a person, which made a real impression on me.
"Normally, a coach doesn't care how a player is. But he showed a great deal of concern and kindness to me.
"He's the best I ever worked with, not because he is a big name or because he spent so many years at Arsenal, but because of the way he treated me."
Eventually, after five years, Denilson "couldn't deal with the loneliness any more" and left Arsenal in 2011 for a loan back to Sao Paulo where he started his senior career. After a couple of seasons there, he and Arsenal cancelled his contract by mutual consent.
"I have lost contact with everyone (from Arsenal)," Denilson revealed. "Sometimes I send a little message to Bacary Sagna or Emmanuel Eboue, but that's it. I'm not in close contact with anyone."
"I was there for five years and it could have been much more if I hadn't struggled so much away from the pitch with emotional and psychological issues. I'm aware of that.
Denilson has remained in Brazil ever since, aside from a one-season spell in the UAE Pro League.
Bad knee injuries meant his most recent contract with Botafogo in Brazil's second tier was terminated, and he is currently a free agent.
