Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the stress of the Gunners job contributed to the decision to leave the London club at the end of last season.

The Frenchman confirmed that pressure from the fans had led to his departure, but there were also some personal reasons for the change in manager:

“In life, there are some splits that you choose and some that are imposed on you. In this case, it was a bit of a mix of the two, because, at a certain point, the fans need a change. In my last year, it was becoming difficult.”

“So it was both a break-up but also a relief for me because carrying that responsibility for so long, with all the obligations that come with it, it wears you out. It’s extraordinarily difficult. And last year I felt I was beginning to pay the price health-wise.”

Wenger always conducted himself with dignity during his time in charge and it’s a shame that his exit wasn’t more amicable that it could have otherwise been.

Things certainly became more difficult for him in his last two seasons at the club with many supporters keen for a change. They got their wish when Unai Emery replaced the 69-year-old last summer.

Still, Wenger will be remembered as the club’s greatest manager, having won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during an extraordinary 22-year reign. I’m sure every Arsenal fan will be wishing him well in any future role he takes up.