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Fear of sack persuaded Arsène Wenger to walk away from Arsenal

Arsène Wenger took the seismic decision to walk away from Arsenal on his own terms because he was mindful of the very real threat that he would be sacked at the end of the season.

The club’s majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, and other directors had grown increasingly concerned by the team’s dismal Premier League performance and the huge number of supporters that have chosen to stay away from home matches in recent weeks.

The Guardian understands that club began a drive to cold-call Red Members of their supporter scheme on Wednesday to offer them season-tickets for next season in the face of record numbers of non-renewals from existing fans. Red Members are below Gold and Silver members in terms of priority.

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Wenger had routinely said that he would fulfil the remaining year on his contract next time out but the wagons have circled for some time. The chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, has made a series of appointments on the technical side of the club, as part of his “catalyst for change” agenda – most notably those of the head of football relations, Raul Sanllehi, and the head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat. The impression has been that Gazidis was putting a succession plan into place while Wenger was still in the building.

Wenger has felt the pressure from board-room level, although there was still the sense of shock among the playing squad when he informed them before training on Friday morning that he would step down from what he has referred to as his life’s work at the end of the season.

(September 22, 1996)

 

Arsenal announce Wenger's appointment

 

(October 12, 1996)

 

Win 2-0 against Blackburn in Wenger’s first match in charge

 

(May 3, 1998)

 

Defeat Everton 4-0 to win Premier League title

 

(May 16, 1998)

 

Beat Newcastle 2-0 to lift FA Cup and complete the double

 

(February 13, 1999)

 

Wenger offers to replay Sheffield United following controversial FA Cup win

 

(May 17, 2000)

 

Lost 4-1 on penalties to Galatasaray in Uefa Cup final

 

(May 8, 2002)

 

Win 1-0 at Old Trafford to win the league title

 

(April 25, 2004)

 

A 2-2 draw at rivals Spurs confirms third league title win

 

(May 15, 2004)

 

Beat Leicester 2-1 to complete The Invincibles’ unbeaten season

 

(May 7, 2006)

 

Final game at Highbury

 

(May 17, 2006)

 

Defeated 2-1 in Champions League final by Barcelona

 

(August 28, 2012)

 

Lose 8-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford

 

(March 22, 2014)

 

Marks 1,000th game in charge by losing 6-0 at Chelsea

 

(May 27, 2017)

 

Wins record-breaking seventh FA Cup with victory over Chelsea

 

(May 21, 2017)

 

Despite defeating Everton 3-1, they finish outside the top four for first time in Wenger era

 

(April 20, 2018)

 

Announces he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season

 

Wenger walked into the dressing room at London Colney and he announced: “I have some bad news.” He talked about how he had enjoyed his long service at the club and now was the time to go out on a high by winning the Europa League. Arsenal face Atlético Madrid in the semi-final – the first leg is in London on Thursday – and were Wenger to win what would be a first European trophy it would return the club to next season’s Champions League.

READ MORE: Where next for Arsene Wenger after Arsenal?

Nobody said anything in the immediate aftermath of Wenger’s speech. There was stunned silence. Per Mertesacker, the squad’s most vocal member, then stood up to deliver a rallying cry, urging them to do Wenger proud in the season’s final matches.

The hope at the club is that the timing of the announcement will galvanise players and fans for the Europa League – their shot at saving the season. Moreover, it offers Wenger the chance to enjoy a measure of goodwill from supporters over the final weeks of the season, even those that have hounded him relentlessly. Arsenal face West Ham United at the Emirates on Sunday. They lag sixth in the league, with virtually no chance of finishing in the Champions League places.

The changing face of Wenger at Arsenal.
The changing face of Wenger at Arsenal.Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

Mertesacker said: “It was emotional [when Wenger made his speech]. It’s a sad feeling right now. He is the major figure of the club for 20 years. The final games under him will be emotional but we will give our all. We want to make things happen, to win every single game, to fight for this guy because he has brought so much to the club.

“It’s an honour to be involved in his last games and I say on behalf of the whole team, we will fight for every single day to make this season a success story in terms of lifting a title. We want to give Arsène Wenger a farewell story that no one will forget.”

The focus will turn to the search for Wenger’s successor but one man not in the running is Thomas Tuchel. The former Borussia Dortmund manager has made a decision over his next career move and it is not Arsenal. Even if the club were to approach him, it would be too late. It is believed that Tuchel is primed to replace Unai Emery at Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal have been linked with a raft of names, including Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Leonardo Jardim, Max Allegri and Patrick Vieira.

Wenger won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups in his near 22-year tenure. He said: “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.

“I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. I want to thank the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special. I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. My love and support for ever.”

Kroenke said: “This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport … Arsène has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him.”

 

Premier League (3): 1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04.

FA Cup (7): 1997-98, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17.

Community Shield (6): 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2014-15, 2015-16.

Premier League Manager of the Season (3): 1997-98, 2001-02, 200-/04.

League Managers' Association Manager of the Year (2): 2001-02, 2003-04.

BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (2): 2002, 2004.

Premier League Manager of the Month (15)