Arsene Wenger admits he made a mistake staying at Arsenal for so long

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he stayed at the club for too long, describing his two decade-spanning stay as the biggest mistake of his career.

The Frenchman parted ways with the Gunners after 22 years, replaced by Unai Emery, having failed to finish inside the top four for two consecutive seasons as a large swell of fans turned on him.

And Wenger admits he probably overstayed his welcome but was obsessed with trying to deliver the title.

Asked what the biggest mistake of his career was in an extensive and illuminating interview on French radio station RTL, he said: ‘Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years.

‘I’m someone who likes to move around a lot, but I also like a challenge.

I’ve been a prisoner of my own challenge at times.’

Wenger has been linked with a return to management, even discussing taking over as head coach of the Japan national team, and has previously turned down the chance to take charge of France.

He explained: ‘I’ve had the opportunity numerous times to be France manager. I’m not sure if it was before or after (Raymond) Domenech. Maybe both.

‘I’ve always been more interested in the day-to-day aspect of management. I find it much more stimulating.

‘It is a question I’ve been asking myself, if I should become a national team manager.

A national team manager takes charge of ten games per year. In a club, you take charge of 60.

My drug is the next match, so…’