Brazilian midfielder Denilson was only 18 when he signed for Arsenal. The teenager had made a few appearances for São Paulo, and suddenly was the subject of a huge move to the Gunners in the summer of 2006.
The details of this story have been told in a live Instagram chat with Bate Bola Inglês this weekend.
“At the time, we were playing the U17 World Cup, we lost the final to Mexico. Wenger saw my video and liked it. I went to live this experience,” said Denilson (via ESPN Brasil).
But Denilson claims he shouldn’t be the one signed by Arsenal. There was another player who impressed Arsene Wenger, although something in the way made the Gunners give up on the signing.
“I wasn’t even supposed to go to Arsenal. It was supposed to be Ramon, who played for Atlético-MG. A boy with a lot of quality. Wenger proposed to take the U16, U17 teams to make some friendlies there. Ramon finished the training. Atlético-MG scored four, five zero against Arsenal’s academy and he went to sign the contract. However, what I was told is that his behaviour ended up stalling the negotiation.”
“When I arrived at the club. I was received by Arsene Wenger, Gilberto and Henry. When I looked at them, I said ‘It’s a lie that I’m here’. It is a situation that you cannot imagine. I saw these guys playing on television, the Invincibles. I played video games with them and when you come face to face it’s too much. It was another structure, another type of level. It’s another world. The legs shook.”
“Arsene Wenger did not like to buy stars. He’d make the stars in the club. He’s the best coach who ever managed Arsenal. I didn’t see Arsene Wenger as outdated. I can only say good things. He bet on and believed in my work. He’d always call me into his room to find out how I was doing. He knew that I was alone. As a person and as a professional he was the best coach I ever had.”
Denilson claims he no longer watches Arsenal so he won’t miss the club so much, as he clearly regrets having left them so early in his career. That’s why he doesn’t see the likes of Gabriel Martinelli shining for the Gunners.
“I don’t see so I’m not hit by nostalgia, memories, of the good and bad things. A nostalgia hit. I was supposed to stay at Arsenal for a while. Maybe if I had a little more patience. I ended up making this decision and going back to Brazil. I try to watch only Barcelona’s games in Europe.”
Denilson played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2011, having 10 goals in 153 appearances for the club. In 2011, he was loaned out back to São Paulo for two years, with the transfer becoming permanent in 2013. He later played for Al Wahda, Cruzeiro and non league side Botafogo-SP. Now he’s without a club, but claims to be ready for the next challenge.
“The body can take a lot, as my family from Paraíba says. I’m still 32 years old and I intend to play for other five years. I’m without a club, keeping my fitness at home so when an interested club appears and it’s viable for both sides to return to the stage.”
