ARSENE WENGER has admitted “maybe I was Arsenal boss too long” after opening up about his bitter fan fallout.
The French boss, 70, was in charge of the Gunners for 22 years having taking over in 1996.
Arsene Wenger has admitted he may have stayed on too long as Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Empics Sport
By the end, a number of Arsenal fans had turned on WengerCredit: PA:Press Association
During his spell in North London, Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup crowns.
But by the end of his reign, the ex-Monaco chief had gone 14 years without a title having last won during the club’s 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign.
Most worryingly for Gooners, the club were looking further and further away from challenging for league honours towards the end of Wenger’s reign.
During his final season, in which Arsenal finished sixth – outside of the Champions League places – ‘Wenger Out’ banners were spotted throughout the world.
From banners over the Emirates to cricket in Australia and WWE in America, fans expressed their in all corners of the globe.
And Wenger has finally admitted he may have clung on to his position at the Emirates for a little too long.
When asked if he believed he overstayed his welcome at Arsenal, Wenger told The Times: “Listening to that question makes me think, ‘Yes.’
“Maybe I stayed too long… I don’t know.
“But I was committed like on the first day.
“I think I guided the club through the most difficult period in a very successful way.
“At some stage people say you’re too old, but they don’t really look at what you do.
“I served the club as much as I could.”
Wenger had one year left on his Arsenal deal when he stepped down – and the boss admitted he would have “respected” it, but club chiefs wanted him gone.
The Frenchman continued: “The club thought it was better I stopped.
“I’d always lived with the idea that could happen.
“The supporters were not happy any more… some of them.
“You can understand that, at some stage, 22 years, people want a change.”
Tony Adams says Wenger refused to have him as a coach at Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
