Wenger now regrets staying
neglected people. I’ve neglected my family, many close ones.”
He asked whether that was a price his former players Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira would be willing to pay.
“The obsessed man is selfish in his pursuit of what he loves,” said Wenger.
“Often I’m asked if Thierry and Patrick will be good managers and I always answer yes. They have all the qualities – they’re intelligent, know football, have excellent skillsets, but do they want to sacrifice what needs to be sacrificed?
“It’s an obsession which bounces around your head day and night. You wake up at 3am thinking about team selection, tactics...”
What will not ease those regrets is that yesterday ex-Arsenal star Ray Parlour said Wenger had overstayed his welcome. “There were a couple of occasions, after FA Cup wins, when maybe he could have gone but he genuinely loved the club,” said Parlour.
“Arsenal made the decision to give him a new two-year contract but in the end the fans not turning up was the major factor.”
Parlour believes Jack Wilshere did the right thing quitting.
Wilshere turned down a contract offer after new Arsenal boss Unai Emery said he would only be a squad player. West Ham handed him a three-year deal instead.
Parlour said: “I’d love to see him still in an Arsenal shirt. But I’m pleased he has gone to a club to play football because there’s nothing worse than training hard all week and then sitting in the stands.” ●Arsenal Legends v Real Madrid Legends, Emirates, September 8 kick-off 2pm. For tickets visit arsenal.com