Former Arsenal star Denilson admits players are to blame for letting Wenger down

Former Arsenal midfielder Denilson has admitted players were to blame for the club's failure to win a trophy during his time under Arsene Wenger.

The Brazilian joined the Gunners as a promising 18-year-old in 2006, linking up with a talented squad that included the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas.

But homesickness prevented him from reaching his full potential in North London and he ended up returning to his former club Sao Paulo in 2011 before joining permanently in 2013.

Now 33 and looking for a new club, Denilson has reflected on his time at the Emirates and admitted he has regrets at the club's failure to bring home any silverware despite playing 'beautiful football'.

'One thing that hurts me the most is that not winning a medal with Arsenal,' he told The Guardian.

'We got to two cup finals and lost both. I would look at the big rival, which was Manchester United, and believed we played a more beautiful game.

'My teammates were so talented: Thierry Henry, Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann, Cesc Fàbregas. Arsenal played the true beautiful football.

'I can’t understand how we didn’t a medal and what went wrong. I can’t explain it, having that talent, playing so beautifully and not winning anything.'

The midfielder also insisted Wenger had employed the right tactics and placed the blame on to himself and his team-mates.

'Wenger’s vision was the right one. If there was anyone to blame it was the players on the pitch.

'There were little mistakes that led to goals. Arsène Wenger was one of the best managers I played for. I can only thank him for what he did for me.'