Rio Ferdinand has recalled being turned down by Arsene Wenger after he wanted to join Arsenal.
The former Manchester United defender expressed interest in signing for their fierce rivals after leaving the club in 2014.
Ferdinand had just been a part of the first Red Devils side not to finish inside the top six since the beginning of the Premier League era, following a turbulent campaign under David Moyes and, latterly, Ryan Giggs.
Upon leaving Old Trafford, the centre-back returned to London by signing for Queens Park Rangers, where he spent a solitary season before retiring.
However, Ferdinand's initial desire was to head to the north of the capital and play under another legendary boss in Wenger after 11 years of having Sir Alex Ferguson as his manager.
Speaking about his post-United decision on his YouTube channel, the 42-year-old said: "The maddest thing is I thought about Arsenal, as well.
"At the end of my career when I was leaving Man United, I saw Arsene Wenger in a hotel."
Ferdinand believed his winning mentality and experience could have lend itself well to the Gunners squad.
"I said: 'Arsene, listen, I am leaving Man United and if you want, I will come and try and help the dressing room etc. because I think you need help in that department.'
"I will obviously play but, more importantly, I will come for the culture."
Although the transfer never went through, the former England defender maintains that his impact would have benefited those at the Emirates.
"He didn't take me up on the offer and he was right because my performances at QPR weren't up to the levels," admitted the ex-Leeds and West Ham man.
"But in the changing room, I believe I could have helped him, because that is where a lot of the culture derives from."
Should Wenger have signed Ferdinand? Give us your thoughts here.
He also recently revealed his thoughts on Arsenal's latest centre-back signing, Ben White.
The Gunners paid Brighton & Hove Albion £50million for the highly-rated 23-year-old's signature and Ferdinand has some reservations on the deal following his debut in his side's 2-0 loss to Premier League newcomers Brentford.
"The issue I have with Arsenal is you can’t buy players for a year down the line. Ben White is good now but what you need is someone to come in and grab the players in the training ground," he explained.
"I feel that at this stage of his career, Ben White needs a partner to bring him a lot, like a Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane or Thiago Silva. Arsenal have needed a centre-back to come in and defend.
"Ben White will end up being a decent signing but the biggest issue he’s got is if I was being courted with Arsenal now I’d think, ‘who am I playing with?’
"If I’m him I’m thinking, ‘I need some help, I’m getting exposed.'"
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