Ex-Premier League defender turned down Arsenal transfer after 'weird 12 hours'

Ashley Williams has disclosed that he once rejected a transfer to Arsenal during the peak of his career - and maintains he harbours no regrets about the decision more than a decade later.

The former Swansea City and Wales skipper was amongst the Premier League's most dependable centre-backs when Arsène Wenger approached him in January 2013.

The Frenchman was keen to bring Williams to north London on a temporary deal as Arsenal struggled through a defensive injury crisis.

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However, Williams, who was then guiding Swansea through their finest-ever campaign, declined - opting instead to concentrate on creating history in south Wales, reports Wales Online.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he revealed: "I had the option of joining Arsenal on loan. But I wanted to stay because we'd made the League Cup final at Swansea.

"I wanted to play that final with my teammates. It was a weird 12 hours where I didn't know what to do."

For most footballers, a switch to Premier League heavyweights Arsenal would have been difficult to turn down.

But Williams' commitment to Swansea, and his ambition to claim silverware, prevailed.

"It's Arsenal, a massive club," he acknowledged.

"But I wanted to captain Swansea and lift that trophy at Wembley. We knew we had Bradford in the final and had a good chance of winning. I don't regret it - it's one of my favourite days in football.

"I can't remember all the details exactly, but the option was there and it was a tough call."

That decision proved to be the correct one. Swansea went on to demolish Bradford City 5-0 at Wembley, securing the club's maiden major trophy in their history - with Williams spearheading the celebrations as skipper.

At the time, Arsenal were crying out for defensive reinforcements. With Thomas Vermaelen sidelined and Johan Djourou departing on loan, Wenger was lacking options behind Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Williams, who had been exceptional for Michael Laudrup's team, was amongst the finest centre-backs performing in the Premier League and firmly within Arsenal's sights.

Ultimately, his decision to remain in south Wales solidified his status as one of Swansea's finest captains - and amongst Welsh football's most revered leaders.

Williams proceeded to rack up over 350 appearances for Swansea and guide Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Crucially, he harbours no regrets regarding the decision. When questioned whether he would make the identical choice again now, even with the benefit of hindsight, Williams resolutely replied: "Yeah, 100 percent.

"There are a lot of players, way better than me, who haven't walked up the steps at Wembley and lifted a trophy. I can say I've done that.

"I loved Swansea and loved bringing the cup to Swansea, being part of that whole generation of players that achieved something there, so I don't regret it at all.

"Swansea gave me an opportunity and I felt like I owed them. I don't regret it at all, that was one of my favourite days of my career."