Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Wenger grateful for praise but worried by lack of unity

- Agencies sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

LONDON: Arsene Wenger joked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club’s fans.

The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job.

“I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I’m grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,” Wenger told reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United. “I know that I will not get that any more in my life.”

Wenger suggested the coverage had felt something like an outof-body experience.

“I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about ‘how you were’ - so I don’t need to die any more,” he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference.

But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018, Wenger also said he felt Arsenal’s fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world. “I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful,” he said.

Wenger said he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the “Wenger out” signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons.“i do not want to make stu-

I believe this club is respected all over the world...our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful ARSENE WENGER, Arsenal manager

pid headlines. I’m not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personalit­y is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me,” he said.

Wenger’s relations with the club’s fan base have been increasing­ly rocky, particular­ly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it altogether this season.

Their only route back into that competitio­n next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg.

VIEIRA READY FOR ARSENAL JOB: PEP

Pep Guardiola believes Patrick Vieira has the capability to step in as Arsene Wenger’s successor at Arsenal. The former France and Arsenal player was Elite Developmen­t Squad manager of Manchester City and now is head coach of New York City. “Of course, he already is,” he replied when asked whether Vieira can become a “top manager”. “Now, with what happened (Wenger’s announceme­nt) there is a lot of names there. “Arsenal is going to take the best decision for them. But, of course, he is ready.

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 ?? AGENCIES ?? Arsenal fans found different ways to celebrate Arsene Wenger’s 22season stay at the club.
AGENCIES Arsenal fans found different ways to celebrate Arsene Wenger’s 22season stay at the club.
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