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Arsene Wenger vows to hand next Arsenal manager a stable club but refuses to discuss exit

Departing Gunners chiefs speaks ahead of West Ham clash and defended his life's work

ARSENE WENGER refused to discuss his personal emotions about being sacked - but did promise a strong and stable Wexit.

The Frenchman, 68, will leave his post at the end of the season, with the search for his replacement already underway.

 Arsene Wenger did not discuss how he was feeling about his dismissal
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Arsene Wenger did not discuss how he was feeling about his dismissalCredit: PA:Press Association

And speaking ahead of the clash with West Ham, Wenger was asked about this week's announcement.

He said: "Well I will come out on that a bit later and now I focus on what matters to people at Arsenal - the next few games.

"After the season, maybe. What is interesting for people is to know who is in charge. I feel I dedicated my whole life to make this club a solid club with solid foundations in a very healthy situation and it’s an opportunity for the next guy to come and find a solid and ambitious club.

"My life is to win football games and that’s what I’ll do. I hope the team will deal with positive emotions.

"We’ve had a good season at home."

 Arsene Wenger is taking charge of his first match since announcing his departure after 22 years at Arsenal
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Arsene Wenger is taking charge of his first match since announcing his departure after 22 years at ArsenalCredit: AFP or Licensors
 The Wenger Out brigade took a back seat after finally getting their way
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The Wenger Out brigade took a back seat after finally getting their wayCredit: PA:Empics Sport

"I’m focused on the game at the end of the day my job is to win. We have to separate your feelings and the emotions that can come with such a decision.

"I want to do my job well until the ends. I’m in this job for a long, long time. I’ve gone through difficult times so you learn to deal with them."


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Wenger - who did not want to be axed - also had the opportunity to address fans in his pre-match programme.

But the Paris Saint-Germain target again sidestepped the main issue.

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He wrote: "I'm sure you're all aware that, after careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is right for me to step down at the end of the season.

"I do not want to say too much now but as I said on Friday, I am grateful for having the had the privilege to serve the club with full commitment and integrity for so many memorable years.

 Arsenal fans enjoyed the sunshine and will look forward to welcoming their first new manager since 1996
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Arsenal fans enjoyed the sunshine and will look forward to welcoming their first new manager since 1996Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Arsenal fans have the chance to pay tribute to Arsene Wenger as they host West Ham
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Arsenal fans have the chance to pay tribute to Arsene Wenger as they host West HamCredit: REUTERS
 Arsene Wenger has been in charge of Arsenal for 22 years and says the new boss will find a strong situation
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Arsene Wenger has been in charge of Arsenal for 22 years and says the new boss will find a strong situation

"For now, there are still seven football matches to play this season - hopefully eight if we can triumph over Atletico Madrid - and my immediate thoughts have to be about these games, starting with West Ham today.

"I want to finish these notes by offering thanks to the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special.

"My love and support for Arsenal will last forever and I urge our fans to stand behind the team so we can finish on a high."

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