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Arsene Wenger has opened up about his life and career in a bizarre interview with a French magazine.

Speaking to L'Equipe's Sport and Style magazine the Arsenal boss was at his most philosophical as he covered a wide-range of topics including time, religion and more.

Wenger is a religious man - and may need to be after his side's mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread - and was asked for similarities between his faith and his football and whether he has a "mystical power" over his players.

"I am only a guide. I allow others to express what they have in them. I have not created anything. I am a facilitator of what is beautiful in man," he said.

"I define myself as an optimist. My constant battle in this business is to get out there is beautiful in man. We can at this level portray me as naive.

"At the same time, it allows me to believe it and it often gives me reason."

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In his earlier days Wenger used to read from a book of prayers before matches but admits the time for such rallying tactics has now passed.

"Unfortunately today, it works less! At the same time, fortunately, it means that my team does not necessarily need God to win.

"The only time possible for happiness is the present. The past gives regrets and future uncertainties.

"Man quickly realized this and created the religion. It forgives him what he has done wrong in the past and told him for the future not to worry."

Wenger also revealed his biggest fear is being late - so much so he's scared of the prospect.

(Image: REUTERS)

"I'm always afraid of being late and not to be ready, not being able to accomplish all that I planned.

"My personal relationship with time is scary. To go back in time, to look behind yourself is equally staggering.

"First of all, you're frightened because there is less to come than the time already spent. If you wallow with that feeling, it's definitely scary and sometimes you feel guilty."