Arsene Wenger leaves Arsenal: Gunners manager refused to tell players he was leaving until just minutes before shock announcement
ARSENE WENGER’S shock departure from Arsenal was kept a secret, even from the Gunners' players.
The Frenchman penned a new two-year deal last summer, but will leave in May after 22 years at the club.
But this morning’s huge announcement has left the players in shock.
The Gunners stars were none the wiser until Wenger called the squad into a meeting this morning at their London Colney training complex to reveal his departure.
He told the players minutes before the news broke about his summer exit.
The 68-year-old won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
But a second season finishing outside the Champions League places looks to have spelt the end for Wenger.
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The only chance of redemption would be winning the Europa League.
It’s a world of difference form how former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with his exit in 2013.
WENGER OUT Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after 22 years at the North London club
Fergie told the players he was retiring a few days before making it public while they were on the way to winning the Premier League title that year.
Wenger revolutionised English football when he landed from Japan over two decades ago – replacing Bruce Rioch – and brought a stylish swagger and attacking football to Highbury.
His side's incredible undefeated season in 2003-04 will remain one of the greatest achievements in Premier League history, while the Gunners managed to break Fergie's dominance in the late 90s and early 2000s.