Phillip Cocu has admitted he almost joined Arsenal twice during his playing career, as well as rejecting a move to Tottenham Hotspur over their lack of trophy prospects.

Former versatile midfielder Cocu made almost 300 appearances for Barcelona during his playing days, also spending time with Vitesse and PSV.

Speaking to The People, Cocu admitted one of his regrets is never having taken the chance to play in England. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both reportedly came in for him at various points in his career, but it never quite worked out.

“I was playing for my first professional club, Vitesse Arnhem, when Arsenal came for me,” Cocu said. “Then, halfway through my career, when I was about to sign a new contract at Barcelona, there was a second chance. But in both cases, the clubs could not agree.

“The third time a Premier League club wanted me was when I left Barcelona in 2004. I had to choose between a club in England who could not play for the league title and PSV Eindhoven.

“That club was Tottenham Hotspur, a beautiful club, but my hunger to win more trophies made me decide not to choose them.”

“I do regret that I never played in the Premier League. Not because I feel something is lacking as far as ambitions were concerned, but I just love the culture of English football.”

It’s no real surprise to hear that Arsenal couldn’t agree a fee and Tottenham missed out on the player because they couldn’t win anything. Those are both stories we’ve heard plenty of times before.

Even if he missed his chance to play in England, Cocu at least now has the opportunity to manage in the country. After five years with PSV and one with Fenerbahce, the 48-year-old joined Derby County in July of this year.

He quickly signed up an Arsenal player in Krystian Bielik, though the pair haven’t had too much luck in the season so far, sitting 19th in the table after six games.