DAVID VILLA has become the latest star Arsene Wenger failed to sign for Arsenal after the Spaniard admitted he was “90 per cent certain” of securing a move to North London.
The former Gunners boss has become infamous for missing out on signing top talent cheaply early in their careers.
And Wenger can now add Villa to the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on his ever-growing miss-list.
Villa revealed to BBC Sport: “We were in a lot of meetings and a lot of calls.
“I felt 90 per cent in that moment that I [would] go to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.
“But in that moment we didn’t arrive to the deal, Atletico Madrid arrived and in three or four days fixed everything.
“I don’t know what would have happened if I’d signed for Arsenal.
“I’m very happy that I signed for Atletico Madrid, not just for winning the league but for everything.
“I’m very happy to have made that choice.”
Villa retired from football in December aged 38 following his spell at Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The Spain legend managed to win three LaLiga crowns during his career – including one at Atleti.
But Villa admitted he always had a soft spot for the Premier League – and always wanted to play there at some stage in his career.
The 2010 World Cup winner said: “I love the Premier League. In my career I always watched a lot of games in the Premier League.
“I always thought about going there one time, but in the moment that all these offers arrived to me or to my agent, I made another decision. Why? I don’t know.
“Many times I had the opportunity to go there, but I chose another way.”
