Former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid star David Villa has revealed how close he came to signing for Arsenal.

The 38-year-old, who hung up his boots last month after a 19-year career and 15 trophies, made his name in Spain before playing in the United States and Japan.

But it could have been very different had a proposed move to the Emirates gone ahead following talks with manager Arsene Wenger.

The former striker, who was playing for Barcelona at the time, told BBC Sport: "We were in a lot of meetings and a lot of calls.

"I felt 90 per cent in that moment that I [would] go to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

"But in that moment we didn't arrive to the deal, Atletico Madrid arrived and in three or four days fixed everything."

He added: "I don't know what would have happened if I'd signed for Arsenal.

"I'm very happy that I signed for Atletico Madrid, not just for winning the league but for everything. I'm very happy to have made that choice."