Wenger rejects chance of Arsenal return
Arsene Wenger has quashed all hope of making an emotional return to Arsenal.
The Frenchman, 71, ended an epic 22-year spell as Gunners boss in 2018.
He is their most successful manager, leading them to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
Many fans have since wanted Wenger to return in some capacity, with the North Londoners struggling in mid-table.
But, asked by French TV station BFM Business whether he would go back, he admitted it would be a mistake.
Wenger insisted: “I remain an Arsenal fan. They are the club that I love, and I worked there for 22 years.
“I hope their current sufferings are just temporary. I will continue supporting them in any event.
“They have been one of the loves of my life.
“But you must not do the same thing twice.”
Wenger now works as Fifa’s chief of global football development.
He added: “These days I am busy with sharing what I have learned during my life and giving opportunities to children around the world.
“In this matter there is a gulf between the situations in Europe and the rest of the world.
“We need to rethink the entire global structure of football in the face of environmental pressure.
“Maybe we need to change the way teams are grouped together, in order that players have lesser distances to travel.”
read also:Wenger: Arsenal love of my life
Wenger recently admitted his biggest regret as Arsenal manager – signing Sol Campbell from arch-rivals Tottenham.
The former England international made a controversial move on a free transfer across North London in 2001.
Now, 20 years on, Wenger has admitted: “The situation was really stressful for Sol and he told me afterwards how severe it became.
“He couldn’t go to certain places for dinner or walk freely in London because of the anger of the Tottenham fans.
“In hindsight, I’m not sure if I would sign him again bearing in mind the difficulties he faced.”