Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss says timing of exit announcement 'not my decision'
Last updated on .From the section Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the timing of the announcement of his departure from the club after nearly 22 years "was not really my decision".
It was announced on Friday that the 68-year-old Frenchman will leave the club at the end of the season, despite having a year left on his contract.
Speaking before Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, Wenger said: "I focus on what I have to do every day.
"At the moment, I work like ever."
Wenger added he would continue to work "for sure" in the future, but was not ready to commit to anything else "at the moment".
He was responding to a question from a German journalist who wanted to know why he was "quitting at this moment, before a big game".
Later on Wednesday, Wenger moved to clarify he did not have an issue with the timing - just that it was not his decision.
"After reaching agreement about my departure, I was happy for the club to decide when to announce. I wish to make it clear the timing of the announcement was right," he said.
Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002, under Wenger.
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'I have a high opinion of Enrique'
A number of managers have been linked with replacing Wenger, including former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira and ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.
Asked about the latter, Wenger said: "I don't want to influence the next manager, but of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique."
Arsenal have said a replacement will be announced as soon as possible, while chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club must be bold in their search for a new manager.
Thursday's match will be the final time Wenger takes charge of the Gunners for a home European tie.
Their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season rest on winning the Europa League.
"Is there a perfect goodbye? I don't know. I just want to do as well as I can," Wenger said.
"This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them, to achieve something with them.
"My biggest satisfaction would be to be successful with the players we have."
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The guy is a class act through and though & we were lucky to have him for so long.
Goodbye and good luck Arsene! I’ll miss you so much!
Whatever happens, Wenger deserves a lot of respect especially from the Arsenal fans.
Sad.
Are people actually blind. It's not the manager, its the board who refuses to compete. Let's not forget Mourinho was moaning about not having enough funds and Utd have spent so much more than Arsenal. they've expected miracles from Wenger for 22 years and finally they have bnen found out. New manager will struggle unless the board amends its ways
I support West Ham but I also support all the English teams when they play in European competitions because I'm patriotic and love to see our teams doing well.
Arsenal fans are the worst! They should be ashamed for protesting!
Hope they get Brenda Rodgers in charge and get relegated!
Vote down - Wenger out
3 FA cups, runners up in the league and a league cup final. With a potential Europa League to add.
How many other managers or clubs would want that level of "Failure" ?
Oh, and making a £30-40 million profit each season !
His true legacy can be seen by looking at the 2009 FA Youth final teams of Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC.
Thank you Arsene. COYG
If they do win the EL it will be a fitting finale.
Thanks for everything AW.