Arsene Wenger claims he offloaded players at Arsenal only to keep the club afloat as they struggled with financial difficulties.
The Frenchman oversaw the Highbury Gunners’ move to their state-of-the-art home, Emirates Stadium in 2006.
But he bought new financial pressures with him and the North London company had to sell off a host of stars for the remainder of Wenger’s tenure.
The likes of Thierry Henry, Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie have all been sold.
And Wenger has revealed that “several times” he has allowed players to leave because Arsenal needed him financially.
Arsene Wenger oversaw a stadium change at Arsenal (Image:.) Read more related articles Read more related articles
He said on BeIN Sports: “You must always manage the club with the financial potential you have and respect the financial constraints you have.
“I did it every year (sell players). We had to pay off the stadium at the time, we had to be in the top four, but we also had to pay off the mortgage.
Arsenal were unable to claim the league title after moving to the stadium despite several near misses.
Wenger admitted that his Gunners side were no longer championship material as Chelsea and Manchester United dominated English football.
Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie were both sold by the Gunners (Image :.)
But the now retired manager feels a change in ambitions has redeemed the best of him as he put the club first.
He said: “I knew we might not have the potential to win the title, but we wanted to at least be on time to finish in the top four.
“I accepted the challenge, but I think this is the period where I have worked most effectively and best for the club.
“It’s what you leave behind that is important. The stadium is paid off and Arsenal can invest the money and hopefully win again. “
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