Arsene Wenger says 22-year stay at Arsenal was his biggest mistake and is unsure whether to take another managerial job
The Frenchman has opened up over his career regrets in a wide-ranging interview
Arsene Wenger has conceded staying at Arsenal for 22 years may have been the biggest mistake of his career.
The Frenchman ended his long reign as Gunners manager at the end of last season, amid growing supporter unrest.
Wenger, a shock appointment by the north London club in 1996, enjoyed stunning success in his early years.
But having failed win the Premier League since 2004, he was subjected to stinging criticism in his later years and, by the end, fans were campaigning for him to go.
In a wide-ranging interview with , Wenger was asked what is biggest mistake was and responded: "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 also went to speak of the regrets he has at letting management consume his life and the huge sacrifices he had to make as Arsenal boss.
"I regret having sacrificed everything I did because I realise I've hurt a lot of people around me," he said.
"I've neglected a lot of people. I've neglected my family, I've neglected many close ones.
"Deep down though, the obsessed man is selfish in his pursuit of what he loves. He ignores a lot of other things. But it's a bone to chase at the same time.
"Often, I'm asked if Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira will be good managers and I always answer yes. They have all the qualities; they're intelligent, they know football, they have excellent skillset, but do they want to sacrifice what needs to be sacrificed.
"It's an obsession which bounces around your head day and night. You wake up at 3am thinking about team selection, tactics, formation…"
Wenger has yet to decide whether he will continue his managerial career.
When asked what is next, the 68-year-old added: "I'm asking myself the same question! Do I keep doing what I've been doing, what I know.
"Or do I share all the knowledge I've accumulated over the years in a slightly different way? That's the question I need to answer in the next few months."