Former Paris Saint-Germain president Charles Villeneuve has claimed Arsene Wenger held talks with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich while still in charge at Arsenal.
Wenger left the Gunners in 2018, after spending 22 years in charge of the club, overseeing positive changes to both the club and English football.
Previous interest in Arsene Wenger in four key points
- Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and revolutionised English football.
- Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were both reportedly interested in the Frenchman at various times throughout his Arsenal career.
- Wenger turned down both Real and Bayern opting to stay with Arsenal, eventually leaving in 2018.
- Wenger oversaw the only unbeaten season in Premier League history in 2003/04.
It has since been claimed Wenger, 69, held talks with Real Madrid about potentially taking over Los Blancos but ultimately turned them down to stay with Arsenal.
Speaking to Paris United, former PSG president Villeneuve spoke of Wenger’s talks: “Two clubs always wanted him as a coach. One was Bayern Munich, because he speaks four different languages.
“I also went to a gymnasium in Italy to attend negotiations with Real Madrid, but he stayed at Arsenal.”
Villeneuve, who was PSG president between 2008 and 2009, prior to their Qatari takeover, also expressed his wishes of Wenger to join the Paris club at any role – except the presidency.
“I think he’d offer great services, but not as president,” he added.
“The current president Nasser Al-Khelaifi does his job well, but great clubs are made through great leaders.
“A club isn’t only made by great players, so I’d welcome Wenger’s arrival at PSG.
“The leaders there love Wenger a lot, but he never wanted to go. He is monogamous and his club is Arsenal.”
Since leaving Arsenal, Wenger has been linked with numerous managerial roles, most notably AC Milan, with reports in November claiming he was set to replace Gennaro Gattuso to join up with former Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis. However, nothing came of the reports.
Wenger admits he should have left Arsenal earlier
Despite becoming synonymous with Arsenal throughout his 22 years in charge of the club, and not just because of the similar sounding names, Wenger has previously admitted he regrets how long he stayed at the Gunners.
Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson aside, long managerial reigns at a single club are rare in modern football with many teams putting pressure on their coaches to deliver success in shorter periods of time – such as Chelsea.
ON THIS DAY: In 1996, Arsene Wenger officially began his work at Arsenal.
1,235 games
A legendary career. pic.twitter.com/LkEqHIuxPr
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 1, 2018
But Wenger’s longevity at Arsenal did not stop him admitting that he should have moved on from Arsenal earlier, perhaps when Real Madrid or Bayern Munich had come calling.
When asked about his biggest mistake, Wenger admitted in July: “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.”
How quick can you name every manager to win the Premier League?
The post The “two clubs who always wanted Arsene Wenger” to leave Arsenal have been revealed appeared first on Squawka News.
From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2TngnaO
No comments:
Post a Comment