Long farewell for Arsenal legend begins with a win
Arsene Wenger has hinted that growing supporter unrest influenced his decision to quit as manager of Arsenal at the end of the season.
The 68-year-old saw his side beat West Ham 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first game since he announced on Friday he would step down in the summer.
Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal since September 1996 but his role has come under increased scrutiny in recent times following annual failings in the Premier League and Uefa Champions League.
A late flurry of three goals in seven minutes wrapped up a win for Wenger as his long farewell began, Aaron Ramsey putting the Gunners back in front before Alexandre Lacazette hit a late double to add gloss to the result.
A point for the Hammers, for whom Marko Arnautovic scored to cancel out Nacho Monreal’s opener, means they are still in danger of relegation.
The bigger picture here was the start of Wenger’s goodbye and it was after the game when he revealed he felt the club’s global reputation was being damaged by those dissenting fans calling for him to leave the club.
“Personally I believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England, and that our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world and that was hurtful,” he said.
“I feel the club is respected and overall the image we gave from our club is not what it is and not what I like.
“I’m not resentful and I do not want to make stupid headlines. I’m not resentful with the 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.”
Of the victory over West Ham, Wenger believed it was the ideal preparation for Thursday’s first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The competition is Wenger’s last chance to bow out with silverware before he departs.
“I was focused on winning the game,” he added. “We just tried to be professional and do our job even when the circumstances are different. It was a good team spirit and good preparation for Thursday.
“I think we constructed patiently. We didn’t make big mistakes. First of all before winning a trophy, you need to get through the semi-finals. This is a good way to prepare scoring goals against a strong West Ham team who have done well recently.”
Wenger admitted he had been touched by the multitude of tributes made to him by the footballing world since the annoucement was made.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been very nice and kind and praised me more than I deserved it. I would like to say thank you everyone. It’s been a great period for me and I’m thankful for that.”