Arsene Wenger has admitted that he’s worried following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, as it will impact the Premier League long term.
Speaking recently, the boss, who has previously spoken about his view that we should remain in the EU, pointed out how Britain will become less attractive to foreign players.
“The way in which England will leave the European Union will dictate the future of the Premier League,” he said.
“If the league becomes less attractive, the broadcasters will offer less money for the rights, club revenues will decrease and the Premier League will suffer the consequences. There lies the problem.
“The big English clubs have the means to keep hold of their biggest assets. The most important thing lies elsewhere. Currently, the league is seen as the most attractive one and that image could disappear.
“In the short term, clubs that are quite strong will be able to resist the competition but England is in the process of building a dominant Premier League.
“We thought that one day the best players from Real and Barca would say: “I also want to go to England because everyone is over there.”
“All of that is now uncertain and Brexit is a spanner in the works. It will have consequences, not in the very short term, but in the long term, yes.”
Once again, Wenger has proven how switched on and in-tune he is with matters outside of football and how they can impact the sport – if they do. What’s worrying, is that we have one of the most intelligent men in world football saying that Britain leaving the EU is a bad idea and it will have a massive impact on the sport in years to come. He knows what he’s talking about and isn’t a scaremongerer.
What’s worrying, is that we have one of the most intelligent men in world football saying that Britain leaving the EU is a bad idea and it will have a massive impact on the sport in years to come. He knows what he’s talking about and isn’t a scaremongerer.
Saying this, all anyone can talk in at the moment is ‘if’s and ‘but’s. We’ll just have to wait to see how it truly impacts our sport.
Wenger for Prime Minister, anyone?