A five-time Premier League winner has admitted he turned down the chance to join Arsenal as a youngster.
The Gunners have had some truly world-class players over the years, particularly during Arsene Wenger’s prime years at Highbury.
The likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp lit up the Premier League under the Frenchman’s guidance.
Of course, Arsenal also remain the only side to avoid defeat in a full season in England’s top flight.
Wenger’s famed undefeated side of 2003-04 are often remembered for their brilliance in the final third. Yet, much of their success was also down to a formidable backline.
Indeed, the Gunners conceded just 26 goals in 38 games in the league that season.
Had things worked out differently, a player who went on to lift titles with their London rivals could have been part of the Invincibles sides.
John Terry admits he turned down Arsenal
Speaking on Up Front with Simon Jordan, John Terry was asked about his choice to join Chelsea as a youngster.
The Englishman claimed he had offers from both Manchester United and Arsenal but had his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
“In this time I was kind of floating between Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United,” he said.
“Arsenal had rolled out the red carpet for me. Man United had done the same.
“Chelsea didn’t do anything. All they offered me was a pair of boots per season and my £2 expenses to get from Barking to Battersea. Nothing else.
“I had Sir Alex Ferguson phoning my house, speaking to my dad and me on a weekly, monthly basis. Checking in that I was going to school, doing everything right, I was training.
“It was incredible. When I walked into Chelsea, I knew it was the right club for me.”
The former Chelsea captain was then asked if there was any ‘fear’ over the prospect of joining United.
“Definitely not, that’s not my character at all,” Terry said. “I went on trial for two years, played a lot of games. Same with Arsenal as well, spent a lot of time in their academy, which was also very good.”
Terry also spoke about his dad’s fury over his choice to join Chelsea, with his father being a United fan and keen to see him move to Old Trafford.
Terry made the right choice
Terry officially joined Chelsea in 1995 and it’s fair to say that the Blues weren’t renowned for landing silverware at the time.
As for United and Arsenal, both sides were regularly competing for major honours towards the top end of the league.
Nevertheless, Terry’s decision proved to be the correct one as he went on to scoop five Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge.
He also picked up a Champions League, five FA Cups, three League Cups and a Europa League.
It’s interesting to wonder how things could have worked out for Terry had he opted for a switch to north London at the time.
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