Arsene Wenger says the reason Arsenal do not spend as much on players as other top European clubs is because the Frenchman has always treated the club as if it were his own.

Wenger has spent more than two decades in charge of the North London club and his frugality is a major reason why the Gunners have not suffered the financial difficulties endured by many of their counterparts.

Wenger told The Mirror: "I'll give myself merit for one thing: I've always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me. I have sometimes been criticised for it — because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.

"I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree."

"My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future."

"I could have said to myself: 'I am here for four or five years, we win everything', [then] I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy. For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of great clubs."