Former Arsenal chief David Dein has revealed Arsene Wenger was ready to leave nine years ago.

Wenger has steered Arsenal to three Premier League titles and six FA Cups, including two league and cup doubles, since he joined the club in 1996.

Their last league triumph in 2004 was achieved without a defeat, earning the nickname The Invincibles.

"He was ready to leave when I left in 2007 but I told him he was right for Arsenal, Arsenal was right for him and, as an Arsenal fan, I wanted him to stay," said 73-year-old Dein at Soccerex.