Arsene Wenger has revealed that he once invited Pep Guardiola to his home when the now Manchester City manager was keen on a move to Arsenal as a player.

The Spanish midfielder made over 340 appearances for Barcelona, before going on to play short spells at Roma and Brescia, officially retiring in 2006.

Wenger often claims he came close to signing some of the biggest names in football, and it seems Guardiola can be added to that list having paid the Frenchman a visit in his playing days.

“I talked to him a few times,” Wenger told beIN Sports. “And once he came to my house when he was a player, because he wanted to play for Arsenal.”

Despite having not fancied Guardiola as a player, Wenger was full of praise for his counterpart at the Etihad, even stating he feels the 47-year-old has surpassed him as a manager.

“I think he has done much better than I have and he’s knowing very well what to do. He has exceptional teams and he is managing them very well.

“I think I respect what he does because he has a clear vision of the game, he has a positive attitude, a positive philosophy.

“Even if he doesn’t win I have as much respect as when he wins because I think people have an influence in the game. It’s very important to have a positive attitude towards the game.”