Former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz has admitted he regrets leaving the club in 1995, just before Arsene Wenger's arrival ushered in a golden era. The Swedish international spent only one season at Highbury after joining from Benfica for £1.8 million, making 48 appearances under George Graham.
Frustration with Defensive Tactics
Schwarz grew frustrated with Graham's defensive style and moved to Fiorentina in the summer of 1995. Graham had been dismissed in February 1995 due to the illegal 'bungs' scandal, and after one season under Bruce Rioch, Wenger took over in 1996.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport via William Hill’s Jude Bellingham World Cup 2026 goals, Schwarz said: “Of course yes, but unfortunately it was not meant to happen. He’s a gentleman, it would have been great to play under him.”
Admiration for Wenger
Schwarz expressed deep respect for Wenger: “I can see why all players have a certain love and respect for him, with Arsene’s knowledge and success. He took Arsenal to another level and given I played for the club, I have so much admiration for them and Arsene delivering so much success was excellent to see.”
The midfielder added: “The style of play, the players he brought in and made better, Arsene would have been such a good manager for me to play under. But in football, you never know what’s going to happen, you never know what’s around the corner, you have to make a decision you see at the time.”
Missed Golden Era
Wenger finished third in his first season, then won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1997-98. Schwarz missed that success, playing three seasons at Fiorentina, one at Valencia, and four at Sunderland before retiring in 2003 due to persistent knee injuries. He faced Arsenal four times in the league for Sunderland, drawing three and scoring in a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light in 2001.
