PAIN AND GLORY

Fans abuse has ‘hurt’ Wenger and he left to avoid damaging his beloved Gunners

ARSENE WENGER revealed he feels “hurt” by Arsenal’s fans and stood down for the good of the club’s image worldwide.

The past few years have seen him beset by protests, unrest and supporters staying away due to

disappointing results. And the Gunners boss, who will leave at the end of the season after 22 years, admitted it was damaging the club’s reputation.

He said: “I was not tired. But I believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did

not give the image of unity at the club I want all over the world. That was hurtful.

“Because I feel the club is respected, the overall image we gave of our club is not what it should be, and not what I like.”

He denied being bitter, adding: “I do not want to make stupid headlines. 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.”

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey (right) paid tribute to his boss after their 4-1 win over West Ham, saying: “He brought me here as a 17-year-old, I owe him a lot.

“He deserves all the plaudits he gets. Hopefully we can finish off the season on a high. Winning the Europa League would be a perfect send-off for him.”