Arsene Wenger: I gave no indication on Arsenal future

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Arsene WengerImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Wenger, who watched the win against Hull from the stands, has managed Arsenal since October 1996 and won the last of his three Premier League titles in 2004

Arsene Wenger says he did not give any indication on his future as Arsenal manager to Ian Wright, after the Gunners legend claimed the Frenchman was "coming to the end".

Wenger, 67, was appointed as Arsenal manager in September 1996.

Wright told BBC Radio 5 live on Friday: "He looks tired. I feel he will go at the end of the season."

But Wenger said: "We had a little dinner, not the two of us. I appreciate you want me to rest but I'm not ready."

He added he could look tired because "I get up early in the morning".

Media caption,

Wenger unfazed by recent criticism

What was Wright's response?

Wright, who played under Wenger for two seasons between 1996 and 1998, reiterated during his analysis on Saturday's Match of the Day that he believes Wenger will go.

"We were at a question and answer session and the way he was speaking and his demeanour... it's my opinion. I could be wrong," said the 53-year-old.

"I still think he has some massive decisions to make and think it could be his last season."

'My job is to make these people happy'

Wenger is the Premier League's longest-serving manager and his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Frenchman last won the Premier League title in 2004 and has been under pressure at the Emirates following league defeats by Watford and Chelsea.

However, after his side's 2-0 win against Hull, he added: "I focus on what is important: winning football games and getting the team to perform. The rest, I cannot influence.

"I have big respect for this country and this club, and I am grateful because I have worked here for 20 years. My job is to make these people happy and when I don't do that I feel guilty - that's why it's important for us to win."

'It's too soon for Wenger to leave'

Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Martin Keown won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Wenger

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on Match of the Day 2 Extra:

"What Wenger has to decide is, 'has he come to end of road in terms of his managerial qualities?'. I do feel if he was to go now, without a success plan, it would be too soon.

"I don't think the board and the club are ready for him to go.

"That end is coming but maybe it needs another one or two years. Wenger should be part of the decision around the next manager who comes in - who should be in the same mould.

"Everyone is thinking that the grass is greener but will it be any better under another manager? While you have got such a good man there I believe they will hang on to him.

"I am disappointed in what has been done on the pitch but also, we are realistic.

"Chelsea came in with their millions, Manchester City did it and they both changed the landscape.

"Leicester showed that to win the league you don't need money and that will hurt Wenger. He can't quite get the recipe right and that is the biggest mystery for me."

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