In 2006, Arsenal finalised their move to the Emirates Stadium, with the 60,000 seater stadium reportedly costing them just under £400m. Alisher Usmanov, Arsenal’s second largest shareholder has backed the view that Arsene Wenger’s trophy drought was down to the financial implications of the move.
“Arsene has a very, very difficult position when club shareholders don’t want to put his money to construct new stadium,” he told CNN World Sport.
“And because of this, he lost his five years, maybe best of his career without trophy. In reality, 10 years.”
Arsene Wenger finally overcame the trophy drought in May 2014, winning the FA Cup after a nail-biting final, where Arsenal overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in extra time, thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s winner. The London club has gone on to retain the FA Cup since then, as well as winning three pre-season trophies this summer and Alisher Usmanov backs the Frenchman to continue his success.
“If I have the right, I will keep Arsene until he wants because until he can’t perform his activity like a manager, it is a gift for any club to have a coach like him,” he said.
“When we buy, we have only one target, be in Arsenal. Be together with other shareholders and make history, which we propose to directors.”
