Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he would consider managing another club after Arsenal – although not in England.
Wenger is the longest-serving manager in the Barclays Premier League, having been in charge of the Gunners since 1996 but during his time with the club he has received numerous offers from European giants such as PSG and Real Madrid. The French champions remain adamant that the Frenchman will be their manager once he finally gives up his role at Arsenal and in an extensive interview, he told L’Equipe that he hasn’t ruled out managing again after Arsenal.
If, tomorrow morning, I am told goodbye and thank you by Arsenal, I cannot promise you that I will not look to continue to work, to live my passion. But, without a doubt, not in England.
Amidst all of the speculation as to where Wenger may go after life with Arsenal, the man himself confirmed that he is still focused on his job with the Gunners and will forever hold the club dearly in his heart.
What is for certain is that my attachment to Arsenal will remain until the end of my days. I’ve had moments where I could have broken that [other offers], but I have always refused them. I do not see how, today, I could have a managerial career elsewhere.
During his tenure as Arsenal manager, Wenger has earned himself a reputation for not spending very much money on players when the fans were calling for improvements to the squad and the Frenchman believes that his stubbornness is born out of the passion he feels for the club.
I’ll give myself merit for one thing: I’ve always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me. I have sometimes been criticised for it — because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.
I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree.
Wenger also admitted that he wants to be able to leave the Gunners in a better position when he leaves them than they were when he turned up at Highbury.
My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future.
Wenger’s side are currently joint top of the Barclays Premier League table and so the Frenchman will be hoping that he can lead his side to another league victory at least once more before he leaves – having not won the title in ten years.
