ARSENE WENGER was sacked by Arsenal after losing the support of owner Stan Kroenke.
SunSport can reveal that Wenger does not want to leave the club he loves and has been forced out under pressure from the US owners.Arsenal announced his departure yesterday morning
and have agreed to pay him £11million — the final year on his salary — as severance when he leaves this summer.
The Gunners are desperate to get back into the Champions League and hope the announcement will galvanise disaffected fans before their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
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| Arsenal owner: Stan Kroenke |
Club board members and Wenger were all singing from the same sheet yesterday.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis heaped praise on Wenger for his incredible 22-year service which delivered three titles, seven FA Cups and that amazing Invincibles season in 2003/2004.
Gazidis would not be drawn on the conversations which led to the Frenchman’s imminent departure.
But Wenger, 68, is understood to be both unhappy and frustrated at both the speed and timing of the departure with a Champions League place via the Europa League still up for grabs.
A carefully-worded statement was released by Arsenal and Wenger hours before Gazidis spoke.
In it, Wenger 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 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.”
Gazidis said: “The decision had to happen at some point.Gazidis said: “The decision had to happen at some point.
Culled from The Sun, UK
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