Arsenal lost some important players during Arsene Wenger’s time at the club.
During the initial years following the move to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners were in a difficult financial situation and often had to sell key stars to keep up with the debts incurred from the stadium build.
Players such as Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy moved to Premier League rivals Manchester City and the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie were sold for less than their true value.
It made the job Wenger did in keeping Arsenal in the Champions League all the more remarkable but not all of the players that departed from the club enjoyed success away North London.
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Alexander Hleb revealed regret at leaving Arsenal
Speaking to FourFourTwo back in 2017, former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb revealed his regret at leaving the Gunners for Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side in the summer of 2008.
Hleb stated: “Arsenal was the best time in my career. I was absolutely, 100% happy. I had an unbelievable coach, fantastic friends and amazing team-mates. It was a dream come true.”
The Belarus international made 130 appearances under Wenger, scoring ten goals in his time at the club but chose to make the move to Spain – a decision that back fired.
Hleb explained: “People always ask me why I departed but it’s hard to explain, I don’t know why. I also ask myself why I left.
“Guardiola tried to speak to me about the lack of chances I was getting, saying that there were so many talented players and that he was trying to give everyone an opportunity. At the time, I had problems in my private life, which affected me badly. I didn’t want to listen to him.”
Cesc Fabregas revealed Hleb was ‘under appreciated’
Speaking in a Q&A session on his X account back in 2021, Hleb’s former Arsenal team mate Fabregas had some high praise for midfielder.
Fabregas was asked the question ‘Who’s the most under appreciated player you’ve ever played with?’ to which Fabregas replied with: “Alexander Hleb.”
The pair played together at Arsenal for three seasons and were part of an exciting an dynamic midfield that also included ball players such as Tomas Rosicky.
Wenger’s fluidity in attack suited the games of Fabregas and Hleb and despite not winning the league in that time, the Gunners were the most attractive side to watch in the country.
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