Former AC Milan star Alessandro Costacurta has revealed that he once turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur due to his affection for Arsenal.
The centre-back spent his entire career at Milan, save for a loan spell with Monza. He enjoyed much success with Milan, winning the Champions League five times and the Serie A title on seven occasions.
During his illustrious stint with the European giants, the Italian did have an offer from England, but he did not want to “betray” the club he supports.
As reported by Arsenal’s official website, Costacurta said: “The idea of living in London was very exciting.
“But I finally refused and you know why? Because I couldn’t betray my English love.
“The truth is that I’ve been a keen Arsenal fan since my childhood, and playing for ‘our’ bitter rivals would have been high treason.
“When I was younger I liked the Arsenal shirt, the stadium, and some of the players from the 1980s such as Liam Brady.
“All my friends were Manchester United or Liverpool fans, so I picked Arsenal and I’ve never changed my mind.”
Costacurta will play against an Arsenal side this weekend in a legends match at Emirates Stadium, with other famous figures such as Paolo Maldini and Cafu also taking part.
The Arsenal side will be without Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, who have other commitments, but there will still be some notable figures on show, including Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg. The game will raise money for The Arsenal Foundation.
Arsene Wenger will hope that some members of his current squad will go down as legends at the club, but the Gunners have made a mixed start to this season, winning one, drawing one and losing one of their Premier League fixtures.
Wenger’s side will be seeking to put a run of form together after the international break, starting with the game at home to Southampton on 10th September.
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