Laurene Laverne
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
That is Arsenal's walkout song.
Arsene Wenger, so 1,235 times at least you've heard that.
So you've got to take that one to the island.
Now, Arsene, the rivalry between competing managers is often obvious pitch side.
And you regularly clashed with Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager.
Those exchanges can look pretty visceral to people watching.
What was it like for you?
How would you describe your relationship these days?
I believe you said he knows his wine better than you do.
You did say that you were offered the job of Manchester United manager.
Now, I'm assuming that was when Sir Alex indicated retire in 2003.
Can you tell me why you turned it down?
It also sounds like loyalty is a very important quality to you.
You had so many successes at Arsenal, 17 trophies in all, but one that eluded you was the Champions League, the premier contest in Europe.
And you qualified for the tournament 19 years in a row, reached the final once, but were beaten by Barcelona in 2006.
How do you cope when a dream doesn't come true?
Since you entered the game, it has changed considerably.
The money paid to players has grown beyond the wildest dreams of the players of 30, 40 years ago.
They get paid vastly more than their managers now.
What's your view on that, I wonder?