Arsene Wenger revealed reasons for turning down ‘lucrative’ Real Madrid offer ‘two or three times’

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Arsenal head to the Bernabeu in their quest to defend a three goal lead following their stunning first leg performance at the Emirates Stadium.

David Raya praised Jakub Kiwior in the build up to the clash after claiming that the Polish international’s performance wasn’t a surprise as he kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

Carlo Ancelotti has questioned Arsenal’s experience of progressing deep into the Champions League as Mikel Arteta’s side are trying to reach their first semi-final in the competition since 2009.

Arsene Wenger was the manager in that semi final defeat to Manchester United and following Julio Baptista’s time with Arsenal and Real Madrid, the former Gunners boss revealed he rejected the Spanish giants more than once.

READ MORE: Real Madrid warned as Mikel Arteta makes Declan Rice training ground revelation ahead of Arsenal clash

Arsene Wenger revealed reasons for rejecting Real Madrid ‘two or three times’

Wenger spent 22 years at Arsenal and guided the club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup wins during his reign, whilst also masterminding the move to the Emirates Stadium from Highbury.

His work caught the attention of Europe’s most elite clubs, including Real Madrid but as per The Mirror, Wenger chose to stay with his beloved Gunners and revealed to beIN Sports the reasons why.

Wenger stated: “Real Madrid, I think I turned them down two or three times. They are one of the teams I loved as a kid but I felt it was a very sensitive period for Arsenal,

“When we built the stadium, the banks asked me to commit for five years. The first time, it was inside the five years and I thought ‘I cannot do that’, it would be betraying my club.”

Arsene Wenger turned down other ‘lucrative’ offers

It wasn’t just Real Madrid that came calling for Wenger during his time in North London, as per The Sun, he also turned down ‘lucrative’ offers from Barcelona.

Wenger stayed loyal to Arsenal and is now forever remembered as arguably the club’s greatest ever manager, having brought not only success on the pitch but stability and status off it.

Arsenal fans will now be hoping that defender William Saliba makes the same decision to stay with the Gunners amid reports that Real Madrid are interested in Saliba.

Saliba has two years remaining on his contract in North London and fans will be praying that he follows in Wenger’s footsteps and commits his future to the club.