Arsene Wenger insists he has no intention of leaving Arsenal to manage France

  • Arsenal news: All the latest from the Emirates 
  • Arsene Wenger has been linked his national side on a number of occasions
  • The 66-year-old says he has been approached for the role 'a few times'
  • Current boss Didier Deschamps has two years left on his contract
  • France face the Republic of Ireland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on Sunday 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he has no intention of moving into international management with his native France.

The 66-year-old, who has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996, has been linked with his national side on a number of occasions throughout his career.

Wenger coached French clubs Nancy and Monaco prior to joining Arsenal but he has ruled out a return to his home country, despite the fact he has just one year left on his current contract at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of moving into international management with France

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of moving into international management with France

Current France boss Didier Deschamps is attempting to lead his nation to victory at Euro 2016

ARSENE WENGER CAREER STATS 

Born: October 22, 1949 - Strasbourg, France


Playing career: Mutzig, Mulhouse, ASPV Strasbourg, RC Strasbourg

Clubs managed: Nancy-Lorraine, Monaco, Nagoya Grampus Eight, Arsenal

Major honours: Premier League (3), FA Cup (6), Ligue 1 (2), Coupe de France (1)

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'I think this time [to move into international management] has gone now,' Wenger told BeIN Sport.

'I have been asked a few times to do it. I was always busy somewhere else.'

France are currently managed by former World Cup winner Didier Deschamps, who is attempting to guide Les Bleus to victory at their home European Championship this summer. 

Deschamps' side face the Republic of Ireland in a crucial last 16 match at the Stade des Lumieres in Lyon on Sunday.

Paul Pogba (right) and France were held to a draw by Switzerland on Sunday but still finished top of Group A 

Paul Pogba (right) and France were held to a draw by Switzerland on Sunday but still finished top of Group A 

Wenger says he has been approached by the French Football Federation on a number of occasions 

Wenger says he has been approached by the French Football Federation on a number of occasions 

Wenger believes a victory for the host nation at this summer's tournament would lift the country's spirits, which had been dampened in the wake of last year's Paris terror attacks.

'I just want my country to do well and have a good tournament because at the moment this country is going through a very difficult time,' said the Arsenal boss.

'We have been hit hard through terrorism, strikes and many other unrests.

'The country is a bit flat mentally at the moment, and they need a bit of happiness.'