Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says selling Nicolas Anelka to Real Madrid was his biggest football regret.
Anelka established himself as one of Europe’s most-promising young strikers after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain as a 17-year-old in February 1997.
The Frenchman won the Premier League – FA Cup double during his first full season and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year for his 17-goal return the following campaign.
However, Anelka endured a tricky relationship with the Arsenal fanbase and said he “can’t stand the English press” in May 1999.
Three months later, he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player after the Spanish giants agreed a fee in excess of £22million with the Gunners.
Speaking at a charity event alongside former Arsenal co-owner and vice-chairman David Dein, Wenger said: “My biggest regret and shame is that Anelka left. He could have been special, instead he played for 13 clubs.”