Wenger regrets staying at Arsenal for 22 years

Arsene Wenger has said staying as Arsenal manager for nearly 22 years may have been the biggest mistake of his career and that he regrets sacrificing “everything” for the job.

The 68-year-old Frenchman, who was appointed in Oct. 1996, left the north London club at the end of last season after winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. In an interview with French outlet RTL, Wenger said he will make a decision on his future “in the next few months”.

When asked what was the biggest mistake of his career, Wenger said: “Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years. “I’m someone who likes new things, likes change. But I also like challenges. I was a little bit of a prisoner to my challenge each time.”

Wenger admitted he was obsessed with ensuring Arsenal’s success on the pitch, adding that sacrifices in his personal life were one the hardest parts of being a manager.

“I regret having sacrificed everything I did because I realise I’ve hurt a lot of people around me,” he added.

“I’ve neglected a lot of people. I’ve neglected my family, I’ve neglected many close ones. Deep down though, the obsessed man is selfish in his pursuit of what he loves. He ignores a lot of other things. But it’s a bone to chase at the same time.”