Arsene Wenger has conceded that Arsenal were forced to leave Highbury for the Emirates Stadium due to the demands of modern football, but admits the club "left their soul" at their former home.
The Frenchman, who won all three of his Premier League titles while Arsenal played at Highbury, said the move of less than a mile was necessary to progress, yet the unique atmosphere could never be replicated.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Wenger reflected on the special bond between players and supporters at Highbury, describing it as a "business family" compared to the "big company" the club has become. He noted that at the old ground, "you could shake the hands of a supporter" during a corner kick, creating a warmth and togetherness that has since been lost.
The former manager explained that attempts to recreate the Highbury feel at the Emirates were thwarted by modern regulations, including the need for greater distance between the pitch and stands for ambulance access. "We left our soul because we could never replicate that," he said.
