Wenger not motivated by money

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made it known that money has never been a motivation during his coaching career.

The Frenchman has been at the north London club for 16 years, and won widespread acclaim for the attacking football the Gunners have played during his tenure.

However, he has now revealed that he had numerous opportunities to earn a more lucrative wage elsewhere, but resisted a move because he valued the work at Arsenal.

“I could move to clubs for more than 10 times (the amount of money) but I didn’t do it,” he told De Telegraaf.

“(I’ve had) 16 years at Arsenal and I stay here because of my philosophy and vision.

“Money is not my motivation and that’s also the way for (Johan) Cruyff at Ajax and (Wim) Jansen at Feyenoord.”

Meanwhile, Wenger accused Manchester City and Barcelona of trying to destroy his work at Arsenal.

Last summer saw former club captain Cesc Fabregas leave north London to join Spanish giants Barcelona while French duo Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy were lured away by Premier League champions Manchester City.

And the 62-year-old manager admitted he has found it frustrating watching his young stars leave the Emirates at an age when he believes they could have driven the Gunners to that ever-elusive trophy.

“Sometimes people try and destroy your work,” he said.

“I lost Nasri, Clichy and Fabregas at an age when they could have made the difference for Arsenal.”

Arsenal have already added Lukas Podolski to their ranks this summer, and Wenger has confirmed that a deal for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is close to completion.

Arsenal begin their next Premier League campaign with a home match against Sunderland on August 18.