Wenger - Why I rejected Real

But Gunners chief reveals pact with his players made him stay

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 19th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger - Why I rejected Real

Wenger: Wants Champions League

I have be criticised for not hiring Xabi Alonso or Gareth Barry. But if I signed them, I would have killed Song, Diaby and Denilson.

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Arsene Wenger has conceded that Real Madrid was a big attraction to him when they tried to lure him away earlier this summer.

Wenger admits he has a soft spot for the Spanish side, but in the end he could not leave Arsenal.

One reason he is so committed to the Gunners is that he made a promise to his current batch of youngsters that he would remain in charge at Emirates Stadium.

"Real is the club of my childhood. When I was a kid, watching those guys in white, winning everything, then of course I am attracted by that club, but I have a pact with the young players of my team, and I want to succeed with that bet," Wenger told L'Equipe.

"I identified what was important in my job: freedom. Here, I have it.

"I could have earned bigger wages at Real, but I earn a good living in London. At my age, money can't play a key role.

"If I left for Real, I would have tried to filter through my philosophy, re-organized everything. I could have given foundations to the club's structure.

"That would not have prevented me from signing Ronaldo or Kaka. But that team is only built on bought players, while Real has a tradition of a beautiful game.

"They have to do what has been achieved at Barcelona through young players: creating a culture."

CL ambition

Wenger also revealed his belief that his current side could win this season's Champions League.

"People say I love a 'romantic' game, which is a kind of searching for beauty. You need such an ambition at the start. However, I am not a champion for beauty and only for beauty. Pleasure also comes from winning. I advocate extra soul: a team built patiently, with young players dedicated to remain together for five or ten years, and that can identify with the culture of the game and the club," said Wenger.

"My team is ready to play a Champions League final. Why not winning it? We have more assets this year than the last one, because we have more certainties and more mental strength.

"Maybe I am more a builder than an investor. Actually I am realistic. When I made them build Emirates Stadium, I told myself: 'How could we stay at the highest level playing with the best players, against the best clubs, respecting the well-balanced finances at the club?' To me, the only solution was creating a team of young players, little by little, to lead them to high level."

He also pointed the finger at teams like Real and Manchester City for spending huge sums of money on their sides, insisting it was akin to 'cheating'.

"That is not idealism," he said.

"We are very close to making it in the Champions League with a very young team, respecting a well-balanced budget, facing clubs that do not necessarily respect that. Playing when you lose €150million, to me it is cheating."

Alonso and Barry

Wenger also revealed why he had not bought either Xabi Alonso or Gareth Barry in the summer.

"I have been criticised for not hiring Xabi Alonso or Gareth Barry. But if I signed them, I would have killed Song, Diaby and Denilson," he insisted.

"My principles have forbidden me to do that. Actually, the moment when I was the most criticised at Arsenal, last season, was the moment when I did the most for the club.

"I told the shareholders we have to trust this team. Everything is based on my own conviction. If in two years I don't have any success, it will be my fault. It is a bet I made."

Wenger is now the longest-serving manager in Arsenal history and he admits to looking at his own legacy, feeling a Champions League title is a necessity for him.

"I am not dreaming to become immortal," he said.

"When a coach remains a long time in a club, he has to leave that stamp, that mark. That is what I am dreaming to achieve. It would be unforgivable to have had the privilege of longevity and leaving no trace after me. But that means a win in the Champions League, because great wins reinforce certainties and give rightfulness to a culture."

The Arsenal boss also spoke about his summer pursuit of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh and he was less than enamoured with the French club's attitude.

"He's a player I like, it would be great to have him but I have too many attackers - but frankly, Bordeaux was not very classy to me," he continued.

"They asked too much money and I do not want to pay as much. Chamakh, I even called to tell him: 'Listen, Eduardo came back, I'm not going to let you sit on the bench'."

Comments (19)

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Benjamin Dawson (Arsenal fan) says...

It's nice to read the comments by fans from other teams complimenting Arsene. Wenger is so passionate about Arsenal. He has brought so much success. The current squad is still so young, and in recent years have needed to show more grit and see out games. They are getting better as each season goes on, and you see a lot of commitment from the players for the coach too. That shows the respect in amongst the camp. I think it's not long until we win something major again. If the current squad stay together, it'll be frightening for opposition to see how good they will get, considering how young they are and how good they are now. Other teams are ageing. The future could be gd for us gunners.

Posted 13:59 19th October 2009

Alex Elwood (Arsenal fan) says...

A Spurs fan banging on about Arsenal not winning anything for a few years, how unexpected. Spurs need to get a grip - you have won a few games and are playing well but you talking like its a new dawn and that Spurs are certain to win a major trophy this season. Wenger has changed Arsenal from a small team in North London to major players in the league and serious European contenders.

Posted 13:54 19th October 2009

Shirwan Musa (Arsenal fan) says...

There is a bubble business model in football. Clubs like Real, Man United, Liverpool as deeply in debt and with a busting of the football financial bubble will be well in danger of existense. clubs like Man City, Chelsea are in debt too but further more are a toy in some richmen's hand, one day they will get board and leave the club to fall into the oblivioun. Only then everyone will start to appreciate the quality and true value of someone like wenger. I hope that day never comes (as a football fan) but the unfair situation cannot continue either.

Posted 13:36 19th October 2009

Chris Whiteman (Manchester United fan) says...

As a United fan, I've gone through periods of liking Wenger, to flippin hating the guy! But, as the years have gone by, I think he's earnt an affection from football fans everywhere. Fans are starting to understand what he is trying to achieve, even in the face of adversity, and he has in turn earnt a lot of respect for that. The problem is, Arsenal are still a few players away from being the complete package, and they always have been since the likes of Vieira and Henry left the club. There is no denying their ability, but when you refuse to dip into the transfer market to bolster your squad with proven class, you will always struggle. The teams that win trophies do this consistantly, and for good reason! Its a shame as i would actually really like to see Arsenal win a major trophy, but I just think they're still too far away from the top teams to do it.

Posted 13:34 19th October 2009

Lee Dixon (Manchester United fan) says...

Wenger is like the parent in the school yard whos kid gets in a scrap every day but it's never his childs fault. Just like time has told us, chances are his kids will never amount to much for this reason. It's the right idea from him, but he doesn't cover himself with much grace and to me that is a bad role model. Also, how many of his team with so much 'potential' will originate from our shores? Suppose that's an argument for another day. Last thing, cannot agree that the man is graceful and noble based on my comments here, perhaps people should look up those words in the dictionary and have another think...

Posted 13:19 19th October 2009

Nhamo Daka (Arsenal fan) says...

Love this man a great deal. Keep it up

Posted 13:18 19th October 2009

Stanley Katabarwa (Arsenal fan) says...

A man is guided by his principles and not by money.Wenger rejected a mountain of money in Madrid to stick to his course. what a manager!

Posted 13:06 19th October 2009

Joe Nugent (Arsenal fan) says...

Its amazing how a Spurs fan can find the time to want to read up on articles about the Arsenal, and then are able to muster a few choice words that they have read out of the local tabloid!!! All of a sudden it seems like the dizzy heights are going to their heads!!! For anbody to be writing off Arsenal to win nothing this season are fools, and to say if we lose a couple of players then our season is over?!! we lost Fabregas for 3 months last season and went on a 24 match unbeaten run, we have strength in depth, and considering we have already travelled to both parts of Manchester and Goodison and with our game in hand can still be joint with Chelsea, i dont think its a bad start!!!

Posted 13:06 19th October 2009

Tony Brine (Southampton fan) says...

Arsene Wenger should be knighted for services to football! He has done more for the English game than anyone else ever has - fact. Arsene Wenger is a great man. He transformed the Premier league with a modern style and preperation not seen in the English game before. Without him, the league would not be anywhere near as good as it is today. I have huge respect for him particularly for his loyalty and vision. I also respect his ethics on the transfer market but unfortunately, it is his achilles heel. But let's face facts, key players getting injured has been a curse. I do agree with one of the other comments made.... I wish he wouldn't play blind when his players are in the wrong. Also, he does throw his toys out the pram over petty things sometimes. Despite their glorious style, I didn't think Arsenal would win much with this current squad. However, I've since had a change of heart. I thought they lacked the mental strength to win the big games, where as Man Utd seem to be able to scrape over the line even when they're outplayed for 75 minutes of a game.....or 95 and a half minutes lol. But, time will tell. I believe Arsenal could quite easily have won all their games so far this season. Their 2 losses were not really just. I am a saints fan, but as I have numerous friends who 'support' Man Utd and the usual other sheep clubs, I support Arsenal to add a bit of rivalry... and they undoubtedly play the best football anywhere in the world. The team are growing every year and it has been a painfully slow process, but the simple truth is, they will win titles. Also, with their fantastic stadium and infrastructre, they will be a serious force in the top flight for many years to come.

Posted 12:57 19th October 2009

Paul Roberts (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

He hasnt won anything for over four years now and he has to act like a noble gentleman in order to keep his job. I have to ask though, how noble do you gooners think he is when he dosent see any Arsenal ill-discipline? He has been telling people how good his arsenal kids are for 3 seasons now. Yes, Arsenal do play well at home and score freely, but they are very vulnerable away and a couple of injuries to key players will see them fall away again. He has been a very successful Premier League manager and although I sincerely dislike the man, he was the man to beat for a few seasons. I hope he stays, as Arsenal will win nothing with this current squad.

Posted 10:11 19th October 2009

Frankie ehimuan Aire (Arsenal fan) says...

I love Arsenal, Wenger and the team. Arsenal is one of the few teams in the world with future and this was possible with the principles apply by Wnger. Keep it up sir. Ehimuan Aire

Posted 09:33 19th October 2009

Simon Reed (Manchester United fan) says...

I must agree with the 2 comments already made. Wenger will surely bring success to Arsenal within the next few years, and he deserves it for being the man he is. He has what it takes to become a legend just like Fergie!

Posted 09:30 19th October 2009

Steve Olisa says...

Arsene Wenger has brought a sustainable business model to the club, "spend what you generate as income". To do that and still play at a high level with a young team is commendable. That said, winning champions league or the EPL this season is CRITICAL.

Posted 09:26 19th October 2009

Bas Mohammed (Arsenal fan) says...

THIS MAN'S A LEGEND!!! I am sure every football fan would wish, their club was managed by a GENIUS like him. I only wish we can win a lot of trophies & prove what Mr. Wenger has been trying to achieve. I would love to see the Gunners lifting another trophy & I have a very good feeling we will this season!!! When most club are going to get Bankrupt, Gunners will enjoy the success from our very own resources for a very long time beacause of Mr. Wenger putting the club before his reputation & taking all the criticism but still doing what's best for the club. GUNNER FOR LIFE!!!!

Posted 09:25 19th October 2009

David Taunton (Liverpool fan) says...

The best manager in the premiership by far, Arsenal play the most attractive football. And the man himself is quite dignified, always be Liverpool through and through but just like watchin Arsenal as well. Much better than than the team 30 miles away....!!!!!! On about utd..!

Posted 09:20 19th October 2009

Ryan James (liverpool fan) (Liverpool fan) says...

Wengers record both as a manager and in the transfer market is stunning, hepicks up players cheap, moulds them into a great player and then if they do want to leave he sells them at the right time. Diaby has progressed into a very good player, Denilson even looks ok now, Wallcot has come on leaps and bounds. Almunia looked ;like a rabbit caught in the headlights to start with, but even he has proved himself. If wenger can carry on digging up gems and bolstering his squad with the podd bit of quality like Arsharvin or Eduardo then Arsenal will go a long way and still manage to balance the books. Maybe Arsene could give Rafa some lessons!

Posted 09:10 19th October 2009

Jayson Fitzpatrick (Manchester City fan) says...

Wenger's style of play for me will always be his trademark and its a shame it hasn't brought more sucess as its how the game should be played. I agree that Man City buying their way up the league isn't how it should be but not many teams are lucky enought to have a manager like Wenger so its not always possible. I'd have loved to have had a manager like him at City. Hughes will come good but Wenger is in a different league.

Posted 09:07 19th October 2009

Dave Taylor (Arsenal fan) says...

The man is truly a legend!

Posted 08:38 19th October 2009

Olumakinde Bolarinwa (Arsenal fan) says...

I think AW is one of the most noble men i have seen. There are very few like him in the modern game. Balance is key in success. Instant success at all cost is pointing to failure in the future. History tells us that. Arsen's Arsenal 4 life.

Posted 08:18 19th October 2009
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