Arsene blames exit on feuding fans damaging Arsenal’s image
ARSENE WENGER claims he sacrificed his job as Arsenal manager because warring fans were damaging the club’s global reputation. The Frenchman — who almost certainly will not manage another English club due to his attachment to Arsenal — was visibly emotional as he held his first press conference since announcing he is leaving the club after 22 years. Wenger played a straight bat to questions regarding the circumstances of his pending departure.
Sportsmail revealed Wenger was pushed into the shock decision after it was made clear internally he would not be in charge next season. But Wenger did reveal that one reason he decided to stand down was due to the infighting between the club’s fans, who have been divided over his future in recent years. Wenger said: ‘I 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, that was hurtful. ‘The club is respected and the image we gave of our club is not what it is and not what I like. ‘I feel that this club has a fantastic image and for me that is absolutely vital. We can say that sport is about winning and losing. ‘But it is about something bigger than just winning or losing, and that was always a worry — how the club was perceived worldwide, for kids playing in Africa, China and America and the dreams it can create for young children who want to play football. All our clubs have a responsibility for that. I am not resentful with the fans. I just feel that if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me staying. ‘The fans were not happy and I understand that and I have to live with that and I can accept that.’ Wenger insisted he will not have a say in who replaces him. Luis Enrique is understood to be a leading candidate to take the job but Joachim Low, Brendan Rodgers, Max Allegri, Patrick Vieira and Leonardo Jardim also have admirers in the Arsenal boardroom. Wenger claimed he is ‘not tired’, suggesting he will look to continue working despite the heartache of leaving Arsenal. But he admitted working in the Premier League again is highly unlikely because he couldn’t face the Gunners. ‘That (managing against Arsenal) will certainly be emotionally difficult,’ said Wenger. ‘It is difficult for me to say I will not manage in England but, at the minute, I am too attached to this club. I will never completely leave this club as I will always look for Arsenal’s result and see how well the club develops. ‘I will always be attached. You do not give 22 years like that, and I gave the best years of my life to this club. You cannot just walk away and say, “Thank you very much, bye”. You cannot be completely committed and then walk away and nothing happens. It is impossible.’ When asked about the comparison between replacing Wenger at Arsenal and his own experience succeeding Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, West Ham manager David Moyes said: ‘They are different roles. When I took over at United they were champions but had older players, Arsenal are not champions but have a young team so there maybe aren’t as big expectations as at United.’