“It is the biggest regret of my life and I’m warning Arteta not to repeat the same thing or else he will also regret it for life”- Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger reveals the biggest regret of his 22-years Arsenal tenure which could affect Mikel Arteta too.

In a candid assessment of his 22-year reign as Arsenal’s manager, the iconic Arsene Wenger has revealed his biggest regret: the departure of Ashley Cole from the club in 2006. During his tenure from 1996 to 2018, Wenger led Arsenal to remarkable success, claiming three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup victories.

Wenger’s comments shed light on a crucial moment in Arsenal’s history when letting go of Cole proved to be a significant mistake. Cole’s move to Chelsea saw him emerge as one of the best left-backs globally, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s triumphs, including a coveted Champions League win.

Discussing this regretful period, Wenger opened up on the Seaman Says podcast, expressing his deep admiration for Cole’s achievements post-Arsenal. Additionally, Wenger admitted that Arsenal had narrowly missed out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo and N’Golo Kante during his tenure.

The failed attempts to secure Ronaldo and Kante, who both went on to excel at other clubs, underline Wenger’s recognition of missed opportunities during his time at Arsenal. While Ronaldo enjoyed success at Manchester United and later Real Madrid, Kante’s move to Chelsea propelled him to the top of European football after his title-winning stint with Leicester City.

Wenger’s reflections provide insight into the intricacies of football management, where decisions or missed chances can significantly impact a club’s trajectory. Despite Arsenal’s enduring success under Wenger, his revelations serve as a reminder of the fine margins and the “what-ifs” that characterize the sport.