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Wenger: Timing of departure announcement 'was not really my decision'

Bryn Lennon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Arsene Wenger added fuel to speculation that he is being forced out of Arsenal by revealing that the timing of the announcement over his impending departure was made by someone other than him.

On Friday, Wenger confirmed that his 22-year association with the north London club will come to an end this summer when he resigns as manager - a year before his contract expires.

Although he did not elaborate on the reasons that led to the decision, Wenger, who will take charge of his last European match at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal manager against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, hinted that he would have preferred to see out the remaining season left on his contract.

Wenger then addressed the outpouring of emotion at the Emirates Stadium during Sunday's win over West Ham when supporters held supportive signs after an extended period when a large portion of the Arsenal faithful vociferously called for his removal.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

"When people are unhappy, it isn't always a majority," Wenger said, according to John Cross of The Mirror. "We live in an emotional society where people can express how they feel.

"I want to win and continue to do what I have done my whole life. The next game is in Europe and then we face (Manchester) United.

"I want to win those games. Is there a perfect goodbye? I don't know. I want to do as well as I can. We have been challenged mentally and I have seen my players respond."

The 68-year-old added that he will not entertain offers while he's employed by Arsenal, but indicated that he has no plans to retire and that he will continue to work in football.

"My pride has always been to give my best until the last day of my contract," he said. "At the moment, I am not ready to commit to anything."

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