ARSENAL’S legendary former manager Arsene Wenger was offered the job at Manchester United.
Earlier this month, the Gunners icon claimed he had a chance to take the Old Trafford gig – and now he’s revealed even more about the approach.
Arsene Wenger was offered the Man Utd jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 70-year-old also had talks with some of Europe’s other big clubs – including Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
And when French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain were mentioned in Wenger’s interview with the Times, he said: “I was offered that job a few times.”
Wenger also had the chance to manage the French national team but asked whether he was offered the Man Utd job as well, he responded: “Yes.”
Le Professeur’s Arsenal team were United’s biggest Premier League rivals when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.
But he refused to be pressed on exactly when he was offered the chance to take charge.
Wenger said: “I don’t tell you that.
“I can tell you Man Utd offered me the job but I don’t tell you when.”
And now, in an interview with FourFourTwo, Wenger admitted he was approached by Old Trafford officials yet again.
The 70-year-old was Gunners boss for 22 yearsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
When asked if either Manchester club approached him, he revealed: “City never, United yes – I cannot tell you exactly when.”
Grilled as to whether he was interested, Wenger added: “No, because I was at Arsenal.
“You know, I had a real love story with Arsenal. My life is red and white.
“I felt when I came to the club that there was this special charm inside it.
“It was a good mixture between respect for tradition, respect for people, and not being scared to sometimes face unpopular judgements.”
It’s not known exactly when Wenger was offered the United job – but it’s widely believed to have been when Fergie nearly retired in 2002.
Wenger is currently Fifa’s head of global football development and says he has ‘no contact’ with Arsenal anymore – unlike Ferguson who was given a board position at United after he retired.
And despite a previous desire to get back into management, the former Monaco and Nancy boss has had a change of heart.
He said: “I’m not sure. For 40 years I did only that every day in my life.”
And he seems to be filling his newfound spare time wisely, adding: “Sport. Visiting my family and friends. Holidays. Reading a lot.
“Enjoying life but in a sensible way, because I’m a little bit drilled by 30, 40 years of discipline, you know?”
Wenger recently revealed he used to be ‘physically sick’ after Arsenal lost while on The Graham Norton ShowCredit: PA:Press Association
Wenger was in charge of the Gunners for 22 years, during which time he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup crowns.
But by the end of his reign, fans were on the Frenchman’s back after 14 years without a title with the side looking further and further away from challenging.
And he admitted he may have ‘been Arsenal boss too long’.
Wenger added: “Maybe I stayed too long… I don’t know.
“But I was committed like on the first day.
“I think I guided the club through the most difficult period in a very successful way.
“At some stage people say you’re too old, but they don’t really look at what you do.
“I served the club as much as I could.”
Wenger also confessed he used to be physically sick after Arsenal lost matches while he was at the helm.
Arsene Wenger says competition is real and that he’s realised he was a monster
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
