Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger: 'I rejected Real Madrid two or three times'

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he turned down Real Madrid "two or three times" during his management career at Arsenal.

The Frenchman vacated his position at the Emirates at the end of the season following a 22-year spell in charge.

During that time, the 68-year-old guided the North London outfit to three Premier League titles, as well as seven FA Cup triumphs.

Now, Wenger has revealed that he rejected the opportunity to manage Spanish giants Real a handful of times.

"When we built [the Emirates] the banks asked me to commit for five years. The first time [Madrid approached] it was inside the five years and I thought no I could not do that, that would betray my club," Wenger told beIN Sports.

"Real Madrid I think I turned down two or three times, you know. It's one of the teams I loved when I was a kid. I just felt that it was a very sensitive period for Arsenal.

"You are always tempted to go to Real Madrid because they offered me the chance to take control of the whole club."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that former Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery is on the verge of becoming Wenger's successor at Arsenal.