In the world of football transfers, drama and last-minute deals are nothing new. But former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has now revealed a story that brings an unexpected twist of divine timing — and a little help from the Vatican.
Speaking recently, Wenger disclosed that a 2014 meeting with Pope Francis may have played an indirect but powerful role in Arsenal’s successful deadline day signing of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United.
A Meeting Like No Other
“It was an experience I accepted a long time ago,” said Wenger, reflecting on the moment he had a private audience with the Pope. A lifelong Catholic, Wenger had traveled to Rome to take part in a “Game for Peace” — a symbolic match promoting unity across different religions and cultures.
“I thought today, where we are a bit in front of an international religious war [in Gaza], it was a very important game,” he explained.
But even while embracing the spiritual significance of the occasion, football — as always — remained in the background.
Football and Faith
As Wenger waited to meet Pope Francis, who himself is a devout football fan and supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, he kept communication lines open regarding the potential transfer of Welbeck. However, when it was time for the audience with the Pope, the Arsenal boss respectfully set his phone aside.
“He is a great person. He shows humility and is available to meet everybody. He had a word for everyone,” Wenger recalled. “He’s a football fan — and you can’t be born in Argentina and not be a football fan.”
A Transfer Blessed by Timing?
By the time Wenger returned to his phone, negotiations had progressed well — and shortly after, Arsenal finalized the £16 million deal to bring Welbeck to the Emirates Stadium from Manchester United. While the Pope didn’t directly influence the move, Wenger playfully hinted that the spiritual clarity from the meeting may have helped smooth the process.
That signing would go on to be a significant one for Arsenal. Welbeck scored some crucial goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Galatasaray and the winner against former club Manchester United in the FA Cup.
A Unique Footnote in Transfer History
Looking back, this unique overlap of faith, football, and fate is classic Wenger — a manager known not only for his tactical acumen but also for his deep philosophical perspective on life and the game.
Whether it was divine intervention or just impeccable timing, Arsenal fans can thank an unlikely figure for helping seal a deadline day deal: Pope Francis.
