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      Arsene Wenger reveals he ‘hated’ Sir Alex Ferguson during his 22-year Arsenal stint – but couldn’t help but respect him

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      IT was back in May 2018 that Arsene Wenger took charge of his last game as Arsenal manager.
      And after ending his remarkable 22-year reign, he has taken a monk-like vow of silence on the Gunners.

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      Arsene Wenger’s publication of ‘My Life In Red & White’Credit: Amazon

      But now everyone’s favourite Frenchman has a new book to plug — and suddenly there is no shutting him up.
      Wenger, who will probably celebrate his 71st birthday next Thursday watching a couple of Europa League games, has engaged in a seemingly endless round of interviews to coincide with the publication of My Life In Red & White.
      The book might be short on revelations but his conversations remain fascinating.
      Here are some of the highlights . . . 

      ON MESUT OZIL
      “Mesut has been the record player of assists so Arsenal have to find a way to get him involved again. Otherwise, it is a waste for him and for the club.
      “He is at the age where a player of his talent can produce the most because he’s a super creative player who can come up with that killer pass in the final third.
      “The way football is going now, it’s quick counter-pressing, quick transitions and everybody plays the same.
      “It’s kicked out players like Ozil but we should not forget that this is a guy who played at Real Madrid and who won the World Cup.”

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      Wenger signed Mesut Ozil for Arsenal from Real Madrid Credit: AFP or licensors
      ON LOSING
      “In my early years at Monaco, I felt, ‘I have to stop this because I am killing myself’.
      “I was physically sick. I had to throw up after every defeat. And every big defeat was a scar in my heart for ever.
      “Whenever I lost a game I would think, ‘How many families are unhappy tonight and who is responsible for that?’
      “And I carried all that guilt until the next game.
      “The people who have a big passion for the game suffer from it because they have a lot of selfish behaviour.
      “The way I approached the job was best suited to a single person and, honestly, somewhere I think that I was a monster and I’m not very proud of that.”

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      Wenger revealed he felt ‘guilt’ whenever his side lost Credit: EPA
      ON THIERRY HENRY
      “In 1999, I went to Juventus with David Dein because we wanted to sign Thierry Henry and they wanted to sign Nicolas Anelka.
      “At three o’clock in the morning we agreed an exchange, plus £15million, for Arsenal.
      “But Nicolas didn’t want to go to Juventus so we sold him to Real Madrid and we bought Thierry.
      “At the start, Thierry was not sure that he could score goals but I made some exercises in training where I asked him to time the runs and his movement was exceptional.
      “After that, whenever he played he knew the weaknesses of every defender after ten minutes of the game and always exploited that very well.”

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      Wenger brought Thierry Henry to Arsenal signing him from Monaco Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      ON FIRST ARSENAL IMPRESSIONS
      “I inherited a team that was monoculturally English — tough guys you could go to a fight with.
      “They were very good on the pitch and very good off the pitch at night and they were sceptical at first, because you don’t suppress the beers and wines without getting resistance.
      “But when you needed men they were there and when I encouraged them to play out from the back, I discovered they were much better players than I thought at the start.
      “And 1996 was a very sensitive time for me because I had nine players who were 30 or over and I knew at some stage I would have to tell these guys that it’s over.
      “But in 1996 came the change of the TV money and that helped me a lot to change their style of life.
      “Before 1996, they had not made much money. But from 30 to 35 years old they earned a good living.”

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      The French manager joined Arsenal in 1996 Credit: PA:Press Association
      ON SIR ALEX FERGUSON
      “The competition makes you hate the opponent. I think he certainly hated me and I hated him sometimes as well.
      “Whenever we competed it was always a fight — always very tight and nervous.
      “And don’t forget we also had to deal with Fergie time.
      “But when the competition is over what remains is a deep respect for guys like him, for what they have achieved and how long they stayed in the job and dedicated their lives to it.”

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      Sir Alex Ferguson was Wenger’s greatest rival Credit: Getty – Contributor
      ON PROJECT BIG PICTURE
      “During my time in England the ownership moved from local people who are supporters of the team to multi-billionaires who have invested in the clubs.
      “England has voted for Brexit to gain back control of their decisions — but in the Premier League you have lost control of these decisions.
      “Only the Premier League and the big clubs can save the smaller teams and you have to find a compromise to help them survive or English football will drop.
      “But I worry about the domination of the Premier League because that creates a lot of envy in France, in Spain, in Italy and in Germany and they won’t accept that for ever.
      “They want to catch England back and Brexit will be a test for that.”

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      ON VAR TECHNOLOGY
      “Before VAR, the number for correct decisions in England was 84 per cent.
      “Now it’s 95 per cent. That’s 11,000 more good decisions a year.
      “But VAR technology also kills the emotional aspect because you have to wait too long for offside decisions.
      “So maybe we have to change the offside rule and allow more tolerance. It’s very difficult to cancel goals out because a player is half an inch in front of a defender.
      “Then we also have to sort out the penalty problem because it’s not clear in people’s minds.
      “Football is at its most popular when it’s easy to understand. When we no longer know what is a handball or not, we have to change something.”

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      Wenger says VAR kills the emotional aspect because you have to wait too long for offside decisionsCredit: Reuters
      ON JOB OFFERS
      “I turned down every big club in Europe and did I stay at Arsenal too long? Maybe.
      “Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and England all made me a job offer.
      “Certainly, I do not know too many people who have twice turned down Real Madrid.
      “But I chose to stay at Arsenal even though it was a team which didn’t have the resources to win the championship.
      “When we moved to the Emirates in 2006, I knew that we wouldn’t be the same for the next ten years.
      “We had overspent on the stadium and that meant we couldn’t spend the money that we had before.
      “I had the choice to lead the club through that sensitive period — or to leave.
      “I decided to serve Arsenal and try to be successful with less resources.”

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      Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and England all offered Wenger a job Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Arsenal tried to offload Mesut Ozil ‘to avoid paying him £8m loyalty bonus’ that could have gone on transfers

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      ARSENAL have stumped up an £8million loyalty bonus after failing to sell Mesut Ozil, according to reports.
      The German playmaker remains an outcast under Mikel Arteta but could not be moved on during the autumn transfer window.

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      Mesut Ozil remains in Arsenal training after rejecting a move away during the autumnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moves to MLS and Saudi Arabia were touted although Al-Nassr failed to convince Ozil after reportedly bidding £5m.
      And it has now emerged that Arsenal’s failure to get rid of the 31-year-old had huge financial ramifications.
      According to The Athletic, the Gunners paid Ozil £8m at the end of September as a loyalty bonus for entering the final year of his contract.

      The clause was implemented when he agreed a new contract in January 2018, at the height of his spell in North London.
      It leaves the Gunners with a huge bill for a player who has not played competitively since March – and earns £350,000-a-week.
      Financial problems at Emirates Stadium have led to the club making 55 staff members redundant.
      A squad wage cut was agreed during football’s shutdown but Ozil opted out of the programme.

      Most recently, Gunnersaurus mascot man Jerry Quy was sacked after 27 years in the role – prompting massive criticism from fans.
      Yet the German offered to pay the mascot’s wages after tweeting that he was ‘so sad’ to see Quy let go.

      Gunners boss Arteta left Ozil out of his Europa League squad amid rumours that the club wants to rip up his contract.
      Despite their financial worries, Arsenal managed to complete a busy summer of transfer business along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing a new contract.
      Thomas Partey arrived on deadline day to complement Gabriel Magalhaes and Pablo Mari, plus free agents Willian and Cedric Soares.
      Lyon star Houssem Aouar decided to stay put with the Ligue 1 club, having being described as Arteta’s first-choice transfer.

      Mesut Ozil continues incredible charity work as Arsenal star launches own footwear range and donates profits to kids More

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      Man Utd ‘going nowhere’ after deadline panic buys, while Arsenal transfer business was unbelievable, claims Paul Merson

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      PAUL MERSON believes Manchester United are “going nowhere” after making the last-minute addition of Edinson Cavani.
      The former Paris Saint-Germain striker, 33, signed as a free agent on deadline day to bolster the Red Devils’ attack.

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered a difficult start to the season at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA

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      Mikel Arteta is impressing Paul Merson with his push for the top-fourCredit: AP:Associated Press

      While Cavani has bagged 250 goals in Serie A and Ligue 1 throughout a lethal career, there are fears he is a spent force.
      And former Arsenal and England midfielder Merson, 52, does not think the Uruguayan will guide United to success.
      He wrote in the Star: “Edinson Cavani is an underwhelming signing for Manchester United that shows they are going nowhere.

      “He’s been available on a free transfer since I don’t know when, and I don’t think they got beaten by Tottenham because they can’t put the ball in the net.

      “Having a man sent off in that game just gave them an excuse. They were already all over the shop defensively.
      “It’s hard to play for a big club when you haven’t got any pace and their centre-backs have none.
      “I thought they were a shoe-in for the top four before the season started but until they get some legs in that back four I don’t see where they are going.
      “They have opened the door for teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton to finish in the top four this season.

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      Former Gunner Merson is happy with his old side’s transfer businessCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “I don’t think they are a top four club at the moment. They can’t defend for toffee, and they let Chris Smalling go to Roma. He would probably get in the team right now.
      “Cavani feels like a Quick Fix. But he’s probably not even that if I’m being honest. I don’t see him being the difference.”
      United completed much of their transfer business on deadline day, adding Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri to earlier signing Donny van de Beek.
      Atalanta winger Amad Diallo is set to arrive in January after the club missed out on Jadon Sancho.
      Merson feels the Red Devils are heading in the opposite direction to Arsenal on the pitch.
      The Gunners have attracted criticism, including from Merson, for their handling of Gunnersaurus mascot man Jerry Quy’s sacking.
      But the £45million signing of Thomas Partey was praised by the ex-midfielder as a real coup.

      Merson added: “I like where Arsenal are going on the pitch. Mikel Arteta is doing really well.
      “And Partey is an unbelievable signing.
      “I don’t know why Manchester United or even Manchester City didn’t go for him. He’s better than what they’ve got.
      “But off the pitch, I don’t like what is happening at Arsenal at all sometimes. It’s not the club I remember.”

      Paul Merson would have signed for Rangers but was too scared to hand in Arsenal transfer request More

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      Arsenal to re-open talks over ripping up Mesut Ozil’s £350,000-a-week deal in January but he wants £13m pay-off

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      ARSENAL are reportedly set to re-open talks to rip up Mesut Ozil’s bumper £350,000-a-week contract.
      MailOnline reports Arsenal will make another approach to the outcast midfielder in order to get him off their wage bill in January.

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      Arsenal are trying to come to an agreement with expensive outcast Mesut OzilCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It is understood the Gunners have contacted Ozil in the last fortnight about coming to an agreement over the final nine months of his deal.
      But they have been unsuccessful in brokering a solution with the former Real Madrid star – who turns 32 on October 15.
      A major stumbling block is that Ozil is believed to want the full £13million left on his contract in order to walk away.

      He is set to continue picking up his huge wages without playing any first-team football until at least January.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has excluded the World Cup winner from his Europa League squad.
      Technical director Edu revealed Ozil received the news in a face-to-face showdown with manager Arteta.
      And he is also set to miss the cut for Arsenal’s 25-man Premier League squad.

      Relations between club and the jettisoned player appear to be beyond repair.

      Ozil offered to use his own money to fund Arsenal’s Gunnersaurus mascot after the club laid off the man behind the costume.
      Jerry Quy got the boot after 27 years of service as part of a Covid cost-cutting drive.
      With fans barred from games, the mascot was no longer deemed necessary.
      Ozil said: “I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous and loyal mascot and integral part of our club was made redundant after 27 years.
      “As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.”

      Outcast Mesut Ozil trains with Arsenal as Arteta puts squad through its paces More

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      Arsenal chiefs told Kieran Tierney will not get special treatment by Scottish health chief in coronavirus row

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      FURIOUS Arsenal chiefs have been warned Kieran Tierney will NOT get special treatment after being ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
      The Gunners left-back, 23, must quarantine in Scotland in the wake of international team-mate Stuart Armstrong testing positive for coronavirus.

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      Kieran Tierney is having to self-isolate after being caught in a Scottish national team Covid-19 caseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Jason Leitch, who serves as National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, is refusing to step in for the Arsenal manCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow

      Emirates bosses demanded a Government probe and wanted their £25million full-back whisked back to London in a private car after he tested negative.
      But Scotland health boss Jason Leitch insists the correct protocols have been observed and Tierney MUST serve his 14 days as footballers are not treated any differently to the general public.
      He told Radio Clyde: “I cannot intervene. That’s exactly how the process should work.

      “The health protection team treats footballers the way it treats workers in call centres or you or me.
      “We phone up the positive case, we ask the positive case their history, where they’ve been for two days prior to their symptoms beginning.
      “That’s sometimes very straightforward — but sometimes, particularly in football, more complex.”
      Tierney and Celtic star Ryan Christie were told to quarantine as ‘close contacts’ of Southampton midfielder Armstrong after they all played video games in a hotel room.

      Tierney insists he has followed social-distancing rules.

      But he will also miss Arsenal’s crunch Premier League trip to Manchester City on October 17.
      Furious Arsenal argue Tierney passed three tests in the last week.
      They also say he has been in a secure bubble at the club and previous tests show Tierney possesses antibodies which suggest he has already recovered from Covid-19.

      Arsenal fans fume as FIFA 21 ratings are revealed with Kieran Tierney just 78 same as flop Sead Kolasinac More

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      Arsenal star Aubameyang pulls out of Gabon squad with sprained ankle as Gunners sweat on injury ahead of Man City clash

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      ARSENAL skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has pulled out of the Gabon squad with a sprained ankle – making him a doubt for the Gunners’ clash with Manchester City.
      Aubameyang, 31, opted out of his country’s friendly against Benin on Sunday.

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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picked up a knock against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Borussia Dortmund forward picked up an injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United at the weekend.
      He had hoped to recover in time to feature for his country but will now not travel to Lisbon for the game.
      Gabon boss Patrice Neveu was aware Aubameyang was carrying a knock from the win against the Blades.

      He told RFI: “Aubameyang suffers from a small sprained ankle, contracted on Sunday, during the Premier League match against Sheffield.
      “The Arsenal doctor sent me a certificate indicating his unavailability. He is in care for a week.”
      Mikel Arteta will be sweating on his £350,000-a-week captain’s fitness ahead of their Premier League trip to the Etihad on October 17.
      Arsenal’s boss is already likely to have to do without left-back Kieran Tierney, 23, for the game against his old side.

      Tierney has been forced into self-isolation after being exposed to Scottish team-mate Stuart Armstrong – who tested positive for Covid-19 on international duty.

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      The former Celtic team-mates played video games together in a hotel room.
      Government regulations stipulate Tierney will have to quarantine for 14 days meaning he would miss the City game.
      But Arsenal have demanded a government probe into the situation.
      Tierney is said to have returned THREE negative tests for the virus in the past week, including one after Armstrong’s positive, and adhered to social distancing protocols at all times.

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      Kieran Tierney and Stuart Armstrong were team-mates at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      The young Scot said: “I’m so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation.
      “I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from my team-mates in the hotel.
      “I have also tested negative for Covid and I know that Arsenal and the SFA are now in discussions with the Scottish authorities to gain a further understanding.”

      Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal are as big as Barcelona which helped convince Aubameyang to stay and sign new deal More

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      Arsenal sign Thomas Partey in last-gasp transfer as Arteta pays £45m Atletico release clause after missing out on Aouar

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      ARSENAL have completed a dramatic deadline day deal to sign Thomas Partey for £45million.
      A combative midfielder, such as Partey or Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, has been high on Mikel Arteta’s wish list throughout the transfer window.

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      Thomas Partey becomes Arsenal’s seventh major signing of the autumn windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the Gunners’ chances of sealing a deal appeared remote after Aouar committed to his current club for another season.
      Serious talk of Ghana international Partey finally arriving then broke on Monday afternoon, with the player reportedly remaining in Spain to complete a quickfire deal.
      Arsenal have paid Atletico Madrid his £45million release clause, significantly shortening the time required for negotiations.
      Wth the deal signed, new No18 Partey is expected to fly to Turkey to join his Ghana national team squad.
      Atletico confirmed the deal after his transfer fee was received.
      The Spanish club stated that the paperwork was completed at 10.28pm UK time, just over half an hour before the deadline.
      Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal website that he was thrilled to seal the transfer after months of monitoring the player.

      He said: “We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad.
      “He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy. He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.

      With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad.
      EduArsenal Technical Director

      “We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.”
      Technical director Edu added: “Thomas has all the right attributes to be a top player for Arsenal.
      “He is a leader on and off the pitch and he is exactly the kind of player and person we want at the club. We already feel like we know Thomas very well based on the work we have done analysing his performances closely in recent times.
      “With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad. We’ve made a strong start to the season and we want to continue to build on this with Thomas now part of our club.”
      The deal comes just after the club were finally able to shift Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi off their loan bill.
      Torreira heads in the opposite direction, joining Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan.

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      Partey showed his excitement for the move on Instagram

      Arsenal confirmed in a statement: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Lucas well during his time with Atletico Madrid this season.”
      French midfielder Guendouzi, an outcast after falling out with Arteta, has left for Hertha Berlin on a loan deal of his own.
      Dani Ceballos, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have all stayed on at Emirates Stadium after signing last year, with Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and Runar Alex Runarsson all joining in a busy window.

      Thomas Partey talks about his long journey to join Atletico Madrid More