ASHLEY Williams has revealed that ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger came calling in 2013 but he rejected the offer
Williams told Sky Sports that he rejected a transfer to Arsenal during the peak of his career at Swansea but said he had no regrets on his decision.
The former Swansea City and Wales centre-back was approached by Wenger during a defensive crisis at Arsenal.
With Thomas Vermaelen sidelined and Johan Djourou out on loan Wenger was lacking options for his back line.
The Frenchman approached Williams, who was then one of the Premier League’s best defenders, to join the Gunners on loan.
Speaking on his decision Williams said: “It was a weird 12 hours where I didn’t know what to do.”
“It’s Arsenal, a massive club,” he acknowledged.
Ultimately, he decided to stick with The Swans. His decision and commitment to the team solidified his club legend status.
He went on to captain them through the League Cup final at Wembley where they smashed Bradford in a 5-0 win to claim their first major title.
He said: “I wanted to captain Swansea and lift that trophy at Wembley.
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“I don’t regret it – it’s one of my favourite days in football.
Williams earned 86 caps for Wales and guided them to the Euro 2016 semi-final, their first major tournament in over 50 years.
Although many players could not resist playing for Arsenal, the BBC pundit claimed he would make the same decision even now, a decade later.
He said: “There are a lot of players, way better than me, who haven’t walked up the steps at Wembley and lifted a trophy. I can say I’ve done that.
“Swansea gave me an opportunity and I felt like I owed them.”
