Alisher Usmanov says he fell in love with Arsenal in 1998.

The club's major shareholder says his passion for the north London club came to fruition with Arsene Wenger's Double winning side of 1998 - a team he believes to be as good as Lionel Messi and Co at Barcelona.

"In my opinion, that team was as good as the current Barcelona side," Usmanov said.

It wasn't a question of money or prestige. It's a choice (to invest in the club) dictated by my emotions, those provoked in me by the club. And Arsenal's current situation remains an interesting investment."