Wenger: Why I rejected PSG’s millions
Martin Macdonald
- 24 Jan 2022 05:26 CST
- 3 min read
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has explained his reasoning for turning down Paris Saint-Germain while he was still in charge at the Emirates.
Wenger oversaw 1,235 games in charge of Arsenal, posting 707 victories, which is a win percentage of 57.2. During his management career, he also had spells with Nancy and Monaco in Ligue 1, as well as Japanese outfit Nagoya Grampus Eight.
During his time with the club, though, he was linked with other posts such as Manchester United and Real Madrid.
In 2011, the landscape of French football changed forever when Qatar Sports Investments purchased PSG, instantly making them one of the richest sides in the world.
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Following the takeover, Wenger allegedly emerged as the top choice to take over as manager.
But, the Frenchman turned them down due to his loyalty to Arsenal.
“It was in the pipeline often since the start of the adventure when QSI took over at PSG. At the time, Paris Saint-Germain was for sale, and not very expensive, €40m or €50m, it was a good deal, but the problem after that was lots of money needed to be invested," he told Canal +.
"I’ve always thought it was odd that a city like Paris didn’t have a great team. It’s great that this has been changed.
"Why didn’t it happen? Because I had a contract. I was raised to keep my word and respect the contracts I sign. You can’t ask your players for loyalty if you don’t have any yourself.”
Wenger wants club football return
Wenger has been without a club since leaving Arsenal in 2018, but he has never actually confirmed his retirement, and recently stated an intention to return to day-to-day running of a club, possibly in a director of football role.
Speaking to Le Parisien, he was asked about the possibility of returning to club management.
He said: “I think about it all the time. You’re never completed cured. You’re addicted to it all our lives.
“I don’t think it’ll happen. I hope I’ve got enough wisdom not to go back into it.
“Living in elite-level sport, the quest for result and improvement still interests me. Even if it’s not directly on the pitch, being part of a squad that has to succeed interests me.
“We can imagine anything. Getting results and guiding a club still interests me.”
