Wenger: It’s been like attending my own funeral

An emotional Arsene Wenger said he stands by the standard he set himself, when he became Arsenal manager 22 years ago, and he said he decided to step down because it is in the best interest of the club he loves.

His voice occasionally cracking with emotion, Wenger said he would save the details of last week’s decision for his much-discussed autobiography.

The Frenchman spoke of his displeasure with the disunity among Arsenal supporters in recent seasons, and said it was not good for the image of a club he claimed was respected more outside England than they realise.