Emmanuel Petit: Joined Arsenal instead of Tottenham (1997)
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The legendary French midfielder had spent most of his career at AS Monaco and even captained the side to the Ligue 1 title in his final season with the club (1996/97). As expected, a number of clubs were interested in signing a player who was approaching the peak of his career.
Again, Tottenham were looking to bring the ponytailed Frenchman to England and he even met Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar at the club. Petit confirmed that the club made him an offer.
However, when they booked him a pre-paid taxi, he took it to Arsene Wenger’s house where the French manager, who had coached him during his days at Monaco, convinced him to join Arsenal instead.
“The day I arrived in England I first went to White Hart Lane,” Petit explained. “I had a meeting with Mr Sugar and they made me an offer.
“Two hours later they ordered me a black cab, it was pre-paid, and I went to see Arsene Wenger at his place. When I arrived he was with David Dein, and two hours later I’d given my word to Arsenal.”
