Arsene Wenger admits staying at Arsenal for 22 years is his biggest ‘regret’

Arsene Wenger has sensationally revealed that his biggest ‘regret’ in football is staying at Arsenal for 22 years. 

The 68-year-old left his position as Arsenal manager at the end of last season having overseen more than two decades in charge at the north London club.

Wenger’s tenure with the Gunners was full of contrasts. His first 10 years was deemed highly successful with regards to titles, trophies and the squad he had assembled since his arrival back in 1996.

However, the last 10 years of his reign saw his leadership continuously called into question by some of the Arsenal fan-base who saw the repetitive trophy cycle slow down and the teamsheet weaken as the years went by.

Wenger’s departure would have suited some Arsenal fans for quite some time before the Frenchman finally decided to depart England’s capital.

The Frenchman left the club having won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and seven Community Shields, as well as reaching various finals both domestically and in European, while also gaining personal recognition for his contribution to Arsenal and English football.

In a surprise admission, however, Wenger himself has now revealed that not leaving the club sooner is his biggest mistake to date.

Speaking to French publication RTL, Wenger was asked about his biggest mistake, to which he responded: “Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years. I’m someone who likes to move around a lot, but I also like a challenge.

“I’ve been a prisoner of my own challenge at times.”

It should be noted that Wenger uses the French word “betise,” which does indeed translate to the English word ‘mistake,’ but in regards to foolishness rather than being a significant regret in his life. Wenger was simply ‘regretting’ that he was unable to enjoy more experiences away from north London in the last 22 years as he is a man who loves change.

Wenger also touched on the times that he has asked for forgiveness, showing real sympathy towards his former players, with his decisions often dampening their progress and consistency in the game.

“All the people who I’ve made suffer. In my line of work, we are constantly making decisions that punish people, while making others happy. When you work with a 25-man squad, it’s basically making 14 people unemployed every Saturday or Tuesday.

“Also, the players for whom I never managed to find the key to helping them reach their potential.”

Wenger discussed in more detail about the hurt he may or may not have caused people throughout his time in management at Arsenal, while also acknowledging that his time in football has detracted his attention from his loved ones.

“I regret having sacrificed everything I did because I realise I’ve hurt a lot of people around me. I’ve neglected a lot of people.

“I’ve neglected my family, I’ve neglected many close ones. Deep down though, the obsessed man is selfish in his pursuit of what he loves. He ignores a lot of other things. But it’s a bone to chase at the same time.”

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