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Wenger admits blame in Arsenal's 5th-place Premier League finish

Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic

Arsenal has finished outside the top four of the Premier League for the very first time under manager Arsene Wenger, who admitted that the uncertainty surrounding his own future with the club may have played a part in the result.

Related: Arsenal misses out on Champions League for 1st time in 20 years

Wenger's contract expires this summer and the revered manager - now under fire by some of the club's supporters - has yet to indicate whether his desire is to leave or remain at the club. But, that very circumstance may have created an environment unbecoming of a top-four side.

"I believe since January we have played in a very difficult environment for different reasons," Wenger said, as quoted by BBC Sport.

"Some you know about and that's very difficult for a group of players to cope with that - and some other reasons we will talk about on another day.

"Psychologically the atmosphere was absolutely horrendous. It has been difficult, yes, and certainly my personal situation has contributed to that but you can never question my professionalism or commitment."

Wenger's future remains in the air but despite the uneasiness, the 67-year-old Frenchman claims his loyalty to the club is indisputable.

"One thing you cannot question is my love for the club because I have said no to every club in the world."

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