Philippe Senderos on all things Arsenal

Senderos, who now plays for Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer recounted his experiences at Arsenal to 'The Guardian' and said that playing for the 'Gunners' was a dream come true. 

''Since I was five, six years old there was something appealing about the Premier League. Something about England, the wet pitches, I don't know...I loved it. It was what I wanted to do. I realised a dream when I came to Arsenal.''

''I was part of the team, in the dressing room, training with them. I couldn't get in the team, which is understandable for an 18-year-old at an unbeaten side.''

Despite picking up an injury that left him out for the season, Senderos was present at the club in the year that Arsene Wenger's 'The Invicibles' won the Premier League undefeated in May of 2002.

''It was amazing to witness - the champions that we had in that team were remarkable. It was my first glimpse of the top level and I could see it was special. You could feel there was something going on. It isn't normal to win all the time, even if two goals down, there was a strength and belief in what they were doing.''

''I am forever grateful to Arsene Wenger and to Arsenal. They gave me the opportunity to fulfil a dream, which was to play in the Premier League. They are still very close to my heart and I have very good memories. I have amazing memories. It was a great time.''

As for his former boss Wenger, Senderos added: ''He has been able to do that for more than 20 years, so I can only have respect for him. Also, the level of stress he is under constantly; to be at the top level for so many years, the stress attached to performance and the next game, every single day, is remarkable.''

''A personality like him wouldn't mind if he takes the blame and protects his team. They aren't getting results like they used to. People like to blame someone in football. We are results-driven, so this is unfortunately what happens.'' 

The Swiss international also briefly touched on his move to the MLS: ''I have been lucky to have had good years in the Premier League. I needed another challenge, something new, and this was a very good opportunity.''