Lauren reveals how Wenger convinced him to snub Real Madrid and join Arsenal

Lauren decided to snub Real Madrid and move to Arsenal at the start of this century, with Arsene Wenger’s ‘warmth’ a factor in his decision.

The full-back, who was part of Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” side met with Real Madrid officials, but was unimpressed with the Spanish giants’ attitude.

But after flying to north London to speak with Wenger and former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, he knew he would make the switch to the Premier League instead.

‘We met [Juan] Onieva [Real Madrid’s vice-president], but we didn’t reach an agreement, so we got a flight, flew to London, landed, went straight to David Dein’s house. And by the time we left, my mind was made,’ Lauren told The Guardian.

‘I didn’t feel any sadness not to be going to Madrid, The way Madrid negotiated back then was way off what it should be. It was like you had to do what they said. “This is how it is, full stop. Because we’re Real Madrid.”

‘And when another club comes along with another attitude, however much you liked Madrid, you go. You join the people who treat you best.

‘Madrid’s attitude was: “If you like it, great. If not, see you.” So, I said: “OK, very good, I’m off to London.” I don’t think they expected it.

‘Arsenal offered a better contract and better opportunities for a young player, light years from Madrid’s offer. It was very clear from the start, in the way Dein and Wenger acted.

‘It wasn’t: “Come to the club [offices].” No, it was: “Come to my home, with my family. Join us.” In negotiations normally everyone sits there all serious, in suit and tie, but they were totally different.

‘Dein’s treatment man-to-man was fantastic. And Wenger’s sitting there with that human warmth, that approachability. It immediately feels different.

‘Wenger didn’t say much. He listened. He knew about the football; he knew perfectly what you could do. He wanted to see the person: the character, whether you could handle it. They saw I was mature, I could take that step.’

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