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Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom has revealed the bizarre circumstances behind his shock deadline day move to Arsenal two years ago.

Arsene Wenger signed the 33-year-old on a six-month loan deal from Spartak Moscow in January 2014 as cover for a crocked Jack Wilshere .

A scan during the medical found three damaged vertebraes in Kallstrom's back leaving him sidelined for six weeks. Despite the injury, Wenger decided to push the deal through.

Talking on Swedish radio, Kallstrom recalled the moment the Frenchman took a gamble on him.

(Image: Clive Mason)

"I'm put in a situation that reminds me of a talent show," he said. "I'm standing in front of a jury with a CD of my X-ray images and bad posture.

"The physician lays down the facts. There's silence in the room. Wenger hasn't said anything. He hasn't even looked at his colleagues as they inform me of their logical verdicts.

"He thinks for himself. I wait for him to say something. He sighs and says, 'The transfer windows shuts in a few hours. It's impossible to find a replacement. Either I take you or no one.'

"Surprised, the others turn to the big boss. No one knows how he'll continue, but they know that his words are law. Wenger decides. "You'll stay, heal, and train. I'll take you when you're fit."

The Swede didn't make his debut for the club until March 25 as second half substitute against Swansea City in the Premier League.

(Image: Lars Baron)

In the build-up to his first appearance Kallstrom witnessed the respect Wenger commanded around the training ground - a presence that helped drive him on to full-fitness.

"One day at the gym, Wenger stops by. When he enters a room everybody sort of stops, as if they're waiting for a signal," he said.

"He has that effect on people. I keep peddling on the exercise bike. Wenger is watching with his French, slightly casual, yet serious, gaze.

"We small-talk and we're on the right track. I felt like I was building confidence with the leader, without having kicked a ball yet."

(Image: Jan Kruger - The FA)

Two weeks later Kallstrom was on the bench for the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley. With the game poised at 1-1 during extra-time and penalties looming, Wenger turned to the Swede for his spot kick expertise.

"I hear Wenger shouting in French: 'Kim, do you take penalties?' 'Yeah, I'd be glad to take one.' 'Good. You're second.'"

Kallstrom described the moment he placed the ball on the penalty spot with 82,000 fans watching intently.

"When I walk alone to the spot, in a stadium with three times as many spectators as there are inhabitants of my hometown, Sandviken, I must suppress my smile. It's a long way to walk across the pitch. I'm relaxed - perhaps happy.

(Image: The FA)

"The keeper goes early, in the opposite direction of where I had decided to put it. When I watch the penalty on YouTube, the feelings return. The calm and the joy, but I'm surprised where the ball ended up."

Arsenal went on to win the shoot-out 4-2 and then the FA Cup final, defeating Hull City in May. Kallstrom, finished the season with just four appearances for the Gunners, but he'll never forget the moment he scored a penalty at Wembley.

"Although my contribution was small in the 120-year history of the club, it was a highlight for me. The greatest 15 minutes of my life."