Supporters’ fury forced Wenger out
LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he decided to bring his 22-year tenure to a close at the end of the season because he didn’t like the image of a divided fanbase being sent around the world.
Wenger won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups during his time in charge.
However, Arsenal haven’t won the league for 14 years and languish in sixth in the Premier League, on course for their worst-ever finish under Wenger despite beating West Ham 4-1 on Sunday.
“I was not tired,” said the Frenchman, 68, of the decision he announced on Friday.
“Personally I believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England.
“The fans did not give me the image of unity I want all over the world and that was hurtful because I think the club is respected.
“Overall, the image we gave is not what it is and not what I like.”
Fans have become increasingly frustrated with Wenger’s inability to mould a side capable of matching the standards he set in his first decade in charge of the club.
Signs with “Wenger out” had become commonplace at Arsenal matches in recent seasons, while there were vast swaths of empty seats at the Emirates for home games in recent months.
“I’m not resentful and I don’t want to make stupid headlines,” added Wenger.
“I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club needs, for me that is more important than me.”
CITY CHASE RECORDS
Pep Guardiola’s hope that his team’s hunger to rewrite the English football record books would see them maintain their championship-winning form proved well-founded as Manchester City swept aside Swansea City 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
With four games remaining against teams in the bottom eight of the league, City are well placed to set new records.
They stand one victory short of Chelsea’s Premier League record tally of 30, set last season, and with 90 points, are also well on course to break the record of 95 points, again set by Chelsea in 2010.
That season also saw the London club set the current best for goals scored with 103, a mark City now trail by just five.