I could have become a legend at Arsenal but I left for a woman and still regret it

Arsenal legendEmmanuel Petit has confessed that he left the club 'for a woman', which he now sees as one of his biggest career mistakes. The defensive midfielder, who won the World Cup, became a hero in north London but moved to Barcelona in 2000 after just three seasons in England.

Petit first worked with Wenger at Monaco when he was a young player, and their professional relationship grew over the next seven years. Within a year of Wenger becoming the manager of Arsenal, he signed Petit and brought him to England.

Together, they won a Premier League title and an FA Cup, and Petit also won the World Cup with France during his three-year stay in London. He established himself as one of the best at the heart of midfield but looking back on his decision to move to Spain at the start of the new millennium, the 53-year-old admits he should have stayed at Arsenal and become a true club legend.

When asked why he left Arsenal, Petit told Stadium Astro, «For a woman.» He added: «I always loved Barcelona and [Real] Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in the world. But I should have stayed with Arsenal, definitely,» reports the Express.

«You know, sometimes the grass is not greener somewhere else. It's better to stay where you are when you receive love and happiness and you are successful. Why would you leave? Definitely [a big regret]. If I could turn the clock back, I would probably make a different decision.»

Petit's relationship with Arsenal fans was further strained when he moved to their city rivals, Chelsea, after just one year in Barcelona. The midfield wizard spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge before retiring due to complications from knee surgery.

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