Wenger gunning for 'English' glory
Arsene Wenger insists his Arsenal team of all nations are flying the flag for English football in tonight’s Champions League final.
Wenger has been criticised in the past for failing to invest in English players.
He has fielded entire teams of foreign players this season, and Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell will be the only Englishmen in the 17-man squad in the Stade de France.
Wenger said: “I am proud for the English Premiership. I have been accepted in England and have lived there for 10 years. I feel very proud to represent English football.
“It would be pretentious to say we represent England but we represent English football and the Premiership and I am very proud of that.”
Wenger is confident his young team can upset favourites Barcelona in Paris and win Arsenal’s first Champions League title.
The Gunners have already knocked Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal out of the competition and the manager fears no-one.
Wenger said: “We clicked in the game away to Real Madrid.
“That strengthened the belief of the team and the record in the last 16 games is 12 wins, two draws and two defeats.
“This includes games against Manchester United and Liverpool, and that’s quite remarkable considering the number of Champions League games we played.”
Wenger admits he has felt “lonely” at times this season because he was the only one believing in his new-look team.
The Arsenal manager said: “I believe in every team I’ve had but sometimes I was lonely this season because I felt that belief wasn’t shared by many people.
“I always believed there was something special about this team. They have a combination of humility, hunger, strength, togetherness and talent.
“We have worked hard and improved a lot and now we want to go out and finish the job.
“When you get to the final you want to take the cup home and that’s what we want to do.
“This team has come from behind but has peaked at the right moment.”
Campbell looks set to partner Kolo Toure at the back. Philippe Senderos has overcome a knee injury but is short of match sharpness.
Wenger said: “Every selection is difficult for a game like this.
“Overall the European season has been about the achievement of the squad not about who plays in the final.
“I want to be successful and the success will be for the whole squad and not only for the players who play and win the final.
“It’s very important to rely on a strong defence. It gives you belief to exploit every opportunity you get. The first goal in a game like this is important.”
The final will be Dennis Bergkamp’s last game before he retires from football.
Wenger said: “A player like Dennis Bergkamp moves out but what better way to finish your career than being part of a Champions League final.
“This team is at the start of a new era.”
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