Wenger reflected on the changes in women’s football since he was a boy (Picture: Getty Images)
Wenger reflected on the changes in women’s football since he was a boy (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger believes that football can go a long way in helping to bring global equality between men and women.

The Arsenal manager has seen the role of women in football improve drastically since he started in the game.

When he was growing up in Alsace, it was frowned upon for girls to join in.

But he’s delighted that there has been a real change in mentality towards females participating in the beautiful game.

‘Unfortunately I can’t remember any girls playing football with us in our village,’ Wenger told Arsenal.com.

‘It was not seen very well and was more considered a negative aspect of a girl’s personality.

‘I’m very happy we have changed attitudes on that front.

Arsenal have traditionally had a strong Ladies team(Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal have traditionally had a strong Ladies team(Picture: Getty Images)

‘Every aspect of their game has improved since I’ve been involved in football. Now you have professional players so their preparation is much better’.

With Arsenal having built a new purpose-built facility for Arsenal Ladies, Wenger is hopeful that things can develop even further.

‘I am much more optimistic today than I was then because it looks like it’s become a worldwide phenomenon,’ he added.

‘Women’s football has taken off.

‘It has developed into a good technical level, the popularity is increasing and there are big countries like America, China and Japan playing women’s football now,’ observed the boss.

Wenger has often provided support to Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Martinez Losa (Picture: Getty Images)
Wenger has often provided support to Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Martinez Losa (Picture: Getty Images)

While Wenger is delighted with the improvements made to the women’s game, the Arsenal boss admits there is still a long way to go.

‘Politically women are not allowed to play in some countries, but it’s good that we can put pressure on these countries to let women play football. It gives them a freedom and political purpose that is very positive.

‘For me, every human being has the same right in the world whether it’s a man or a woman.

‘One of the rights is to achieve in life what you would love to achieve and that society offers you the potential to achieve your dream.

‘Whether you’re a man or a woman, for me it’s exactly the same.

‘I personally think there’s still a lot of work to do for women because there’s still a long way for women to go to have the same privileges as men, but sport can help to achieve that’.

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