Wenger says Milan defeat will haunt him forever

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted on Friday that the 4-0 Champions League rout at the hands of AC Milan, his club’s heaviest European defeat, was a trauma from which he will never recover.

“It never gets out of your system because you take it with you until the last day of your life,” said Wenger.

“You can find 100 explanations why we had a poor performance and an off day.

“We lost against a good Milan team, not an exceptional one. Unfortunately we were punished severely.

“It is important not to dwell on that too much, instead focus on the next performance, respond in a positive way and ensure we have the mental qualities to be at this club.

“We have put together a good series of results and we can consider that night was just an off day. We are in fourth position in the Premier League and we have an opportunity to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

“It is important that we are up for that and do not feel sorry for ourselves.”

Wenger also apologised to the Arsenal’s supporters.

“The fans were absolutely fantastic in Milan and we can only say sorry,” added the Frenchman.

Skipper Robin van Persie has backed calls for Wenger to sign “stronger characters’ like Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to revive their flagging fortunes.

In an interview before the Milan defeat, he said: “Sometimes you have gamesin training that you think‘ mmm, it’s just a bit low key and relaxed.’

“But with players like him (Henry) around it’s just never the case. He always wants to win even if it’s an easy game and nobody is watching.” — The Sun, London