Former Arsenal manager and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger has reflected on his time as the Gunners' manager in an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports. The Frenchman revealed his favorite Arsenal players during the 22 years he spent managing the English club.
Quizzed over who was his favorite player when he was at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger said:
"The players that come to mind are your Thierry Henrys. Also Dennis Bergkamp between 2002 to 2004. [Patrick] Vieira and [Robert] Pires too.''
"After that, you had great players as well but they didn't have the success. The [Jack] Wilsheres, [Aaron] Ramsey, [Cesc] Fabregases. You can't forget players so you can't pick a favourite." [sic]
The Frenchman also said that he misses being out of action, adding that his 22 years as Arsenal's football manager feels like a hundred years. Wenger said that his departure from the club in 2018 was the 'end of a passion'.
Arsene Wenger took over the managerial duties from Bruce Rioch in 1996 as a full-time manager at the Emirates Stadium. The same year, Patrick Vieira was signed by the English club just before the announcement of Arsene Wenger as the new manager. The French midfielder went on to become one of the greatest midfielders of all time along with Thierry Henry. The French nationals brought much success to Arsene Wenger during their decade-long stay in London.
In his illustrious career as the Gunners' manager. Arsene Wenger lifted the Premier League title thrice while winning the English FA Cup and Super Cup titles seven times each.
Further into the conversation with Sky Sports, the Frenchman said that he still loves his former club and the Premier League immensely and follows them closely. He added:
"You miss the intensity and the great moments, the good and the bad moments too. Physically, when you work 22 years in football, that's like 100 years in normal life.''
"It was sadness, it was the end of passion. I still love Arsenal and the Premier League. It's the first league I watch even today. But you're not part of it as closely as you were before and that's difficult." [sic]
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Newtown
37
best number now
EmeraldJ
22
As a little boy back in the days I thought Arsene Wenger was the owner of Arsenal... At a point, I thought he was a Winger at Arsenal... Crazy!!!
Afrosports
15
In Nigeria NTA started showing premier league in 1996 when 5hey stopped showing football America , only the few with satellite dish do follow it wasn't this great then , we all were not pleased what NTAs decision to snub football America in favor of English league, that time every body prefer SerieA it was the best league. the English league was called Big league as at 94 consists of 18 clubs. more over I started following arsenal because of Ian wright and Viera in 96 and we all loved new coach Wenger because of willingness to bring in non arrogant English players, what end up in making the league the best in the world now KUDOS to Monsieur Wenger.
copacdsty
11
Santi carzora is the player I can never forget