Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has advised African football authorities to organise themselves more professionally so that teams from the continent can challenge for global titles.
The French man supervised the design of a modern training centre at the North London club and the move from Highbury to the modern Emirates Stadium in North London.
The 69-year-old was appointed Arsenal manager in 1996‚ diet and modern training regimes that are taken for granted today‚ were non-existent.
Under Wenger, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
“France won the 2018 World Cup with some African players who have been educated in France‚ but they still come from Africa‚” Wenger says. “That should encourage Africa to organise its football.
“There is so much talent and the guys playing for France came from Africa because their parents took them to France.
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“It shows that the talent and potential exist in Africa. But one person cannot change Africa‚ the whole system has to be better organized. A successful national team starts with a strong youth system and organization.
“I could not do that now. I do not have enough time in front [of] me. I can help to get them en route but you need 10 or 20 years to do that.”
Wenger made the remarks after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday night for his contributions to revolutionising English football.
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