‘Rot began in Wenger era’

MIKEL ARTETA claims Arsenal’s decline started five years ago after reiterating he is still the manager to turn things around.

Arsenal will stick with Arteta into next season and back him in the summer transfer market to help rebuild after failing to reach Europe for the first time in 25 years.

But Arteta, right, has warned it was always going to be a long-term rebuilding job.

And the Spaniard says they began falling behind when they started finishing outside the Champions League places under Arsene Wenger.

Arteta said: “It is not as if this process started six months ago – it started five years ago. I understand those concerns

because when you are out of the Champions League for five years it is not just a casualty, it’s a trend.

“We have to be ruthless. There is no time to waste and there is a lot to do.

“I had a feeling that if we could take the team to the [Europa League] final, it could be a great turning point.

“We want to give the best to everybody, but one thing I made clear is that to do what we want to do, I have no doubts that we are going to achieve it. If not, I wouldn’t be sat here.” Arteta, who played for the Gunners under Wenger, above, promised to repay the fans’ faith in him and the players, as they have largely been supportive up until Arsenal’s exit to Villarreal.

Arteta added: “I know their disappointment.

“We are here to give them joy, to give them moments where they can feel proud of what we do.”