Arsene Wenger says he’s looking forward to returning to former club Monaco and revealed he’s not set foot in the Stade Louis II since being sacked in 1994.
The Frenchman won a Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France during a successful seven year stint in the Principality and is still fondly remembered on the French Riviera for signing the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Mark Hateley, George Weah and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s favourable Champions League draw Wenger told Arsenal Player that the occasion will see old and new lives come together.
“We had very few chances to get Monaco and I think it’s a strange coincidence in life because I’ve spent 25 years of my life at Monaco and Arsenal together, so it’s a little bit like my life meets my life.
“It’s good as well because I go back to basically where I started. I’ve never [been back], because I was always very busy and since I’ve been here in England we’ve played every three days basically throughout the whole season. I’ve been back to the city a few times but never to the stadium.
Having avoided recent winners Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Wenger also spoke positively of Arsenal’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
“Overall it’s an opportunity for us to get through to the quarter-final.
“Having said that, Monaco is a tough draw because they’ve come top out of a very tough group and that means it’s a signal for us to be ready to meet a tough team who defend very well and are very quick on counter-attacks. We need a good defensive performance against them.”
In advance of the match, Arseblog News will be petitioning the boss to sport an 80s-tastic shellsuit on the touchline. Something neon, with aggressive go-faster stripes and a wind vent…but with room for arms, unlike the odd one pictured above.
We’re pretty sure Vic Akers has got a few lying around in a cupboard somewhere.
In the picture, it looks as if Wenger’s arms were cut off.
Little bit amputee.
Very Flamini-esque #NoSleevesPlease
Dammit, i was about to write the same thing. Why did they cut Arsene’s hands off? About time to get them back, Arsene!
At first I thought, nice 80’s jumper, then, when did Wenger get replacement arms…
It was either that or touch a spurs player
That’s well played sir!
I think that pic explains why Wenger finds it so bleedin’ difficult to get his hands in his pockets come transfer time.
At least that solves the zipper problem.
I’ve heard of short arms, deep pockets but this ridiculous! Might explain the lack of investment? Couldn’t reach the chequebook?
*coat, out
Shit should have read the other comments before replying, I’m funny on my own without copying others I promise
Wenger put his elbows on backwards when he woke up that morning.
Up The Arsenal!
Tis but a scratch.
Really wouldn’t want to need a result over there to go through. A decent home showing will be crucial.
2-0 would be great, to take the edge off and boost the confidence for the return leg.
In front of their 86 fans. Yeah, terrifying.
Look, the picture was taken a long time ago. Of cause the suit was little bit big and does not show the overall quality of my hands. Having said that it’s little bit harsh to judge the suit as well.
“but with room for arms, unlike the odd one pictured above.”
Had to hold back a very hard LOL in the office when I scrolled up to the picture after reading that.
Those 80’s Zips were a bastard on the auld limbs.
Wenger’s war on coat fasteners has been a lifelong struggle
It’s a little bit like my life meets my life. Only one Arsene Wenger
Hummmm
You can see why Arsenal chose Arsenal over Spurs, Chelsea, QPR etc.
We’ll done Glenn and Mark for putting him off those clubs.
Arsene chose Arsenal…
Nervous Wenger smoking on the Monaco bench
https://vine.co/v/OgzmWgJMtqq
Wow, thanks a lot for this. Really never thought Wenger had that side of him. And how handsome is he in those years!
What a handsome devil Wenger was back in the day.
Fab photo…..