Arsene Wenger’s biggest regret is missing out on Cristiano Ronaldo

Arsene Wenger has been around a long time and the Arsenal manager must have plenty of regrets.

So, what’s his biggest regret?

[RELATED: Ronaldo unhappy at Real Madrid]

Speaking to a club sponsor, the Gunners boss revealed that missing out on a player who would become one of the best, if not the best, of his generation, was a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

Here’s what Arsene had to say as his squad prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday (Watch live on NBCSN, 10 a.m. ET and online via Live Extra). Gunners fans, get ready to wince when you start to think of what could have been...

“My biggest regret,” Wenger said.” I was so close, to signing Cristiano Ronaldo, and not only did I not get him he signed for Manchester United, so that of course still hurts today.”

Wenger also went on to state that the player the Gunners should have had on their side was Didier Drogba as he instead became a legend at London rivals Chelsea. In the video the 64-year-old Frenchman also revealed that Cameroonian Lauren was his “best signing” instead of the paltry fee of around $17 million he paid to Juventus for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Wenger cited the fact that nobody else knew about Lauren, so he felt particularly chuffed about that one. Fascinating insight.

Is it me or is the Arsenal boss starting to lighten up as he heads towards his 18th year with the Gunners?

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