Arsene Wenger: Arsenal's Time To Win Champions League Has Come

The Gunners boss is confident ahead of the semi-final against Manchester United as he believes his team will lift the trophy in 2009...

Arsene Wenger - Arsenal (PA)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in optimistic mood ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester United. He believes his side will go all the way in the competition this year.

The Gunners have only ever been involved in one Champions League final, which they lost to Barcelona in 2006, so the French tactician believes it is time to put that right.

"This is the moment we have all been waiting for. There is a big gap in the history of this club and we are determined to wipe that out. That is why we are here," Wenger is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"I am an optimist and I believe that we will win the Champions League — the sooner the better.

"People love success and, the more you win, the more you have fans who love the club.

"The size of the club is determined by the number of people who support you. And every title makes you bigger."

The last time the north London club attained silverware was in 2005, when they lifted the FA Cup, but the 59-year-old has assured fans that he is more determined than ever to bring the glory days back to the Emirates Stadium.

"I’m at the stage of my career where I am more focused to do it for the club, the fans and the players than to do it for myself,” Wenger said.

"I know how much this competition means to them. My desire is always to win everything but that is not possible in life so you will always be frustrated.

"But the European Cup has never been won before in the history of Arsenal and I want this group of players to do it for the first time."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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