The Frenchman, who is in his 19th year with the north Londoners, has failed to win the biggest prize in club football.

The Gunners were on the brink lifting the trophy in 2006 when they were 1-0 up against Barcelona in the final with 15 minutes left on the clock.

However, their dream of becoming champions of Europe was cruelly snatched away from them thanks to late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Juliano Belletti.

Wenger is still haunted by that night in Paris and has admitted his failure to win the competition is fuelling this year's pursuit of the trophy.

DRIVEN: Wenger is determined to win the Champions League with Arsenal

“If we missed one game last year, then it was our home game with Monaco,” Wenger said.

“We were not patient enough and we wanted to make the difference in the first game.

“We know we have some way to put that right, that is a regret of the season last year. We know as well that we can show that we have learnt from that.

“This drive [to win the competition] is immense. It has never been done at Arsenal and we were very, very, very, close.

“On the other hand, I have been long enough in the job to know you have to be realistic and know that you have to put hard work in.”