Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Bayern Munich boss Josep Guardiola wanted to sign for the Gunners during his playing days. The 44-year-old was one of Europe's outstanding defensive midfielders during his time with Barcelona, before leaving the club for Brescia in 2001.
But Wenger says Guardiola was keen on a move to Arsenal, only for the Frenchman to decide against pursuing a deal.
He said: "He wanted to play with me as a coach and he wanted to play for Arsenal.
"I met him at home - he was 30 or 31-years-old back then. I can’t really remember but he then went to Italy. I had players back then like [Patrick] Vieira and [Emmanuel] Petit who were still young.
"He showed great personality when we talked."
Wenger got the upper hand over Guardiola in the first meeting between the sides in this season's Champions League group stage, with the Gunners winning 2-0 at the Emirates.
However, a close contest is expected in the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday and the 66-year-old spoke of his respect for his managerial counterpart.
"I admire that his teams play very positively - he has a positive attitude towards football and he’s a great coach."
--> But Wenger says Guardiola was keen on a move to Arsenal, only for the Frenchman to decide against pursuing a deal.
He said: "He wanted to play with me as a coach and he wanted to play for Arsenal.
"I met him at home - he was 30 or 31-years-old back then. I can’t really remember but he then went to Italy. I had players back then like [Patrick] Vieira and [Emmanuel] Petit who were still young.
"He showed great personality when we talked."
Wenger got the upper hand over Guardiola in the first meeting between the sides in this season's Champions League group stage, with the Gunners winning 2-0 at the Emirates.
However, a close contest is expected in the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday and the 66-year-old spoke of his respect for his managerial counterpart.
"I admire that his teams play very positively - he has a positive attitude towards football and he’s a great coach."
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