Arsene Wenger stepping down as Arsenal manager at end of the season
Arsene Wenger has announced he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season after almost 22 years in the role.
The 68-year-old's position has come under intense scrutiny over the past 18 months due to repeated failings in the Premier League and Champions League.
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Wenger has lifted the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons but that has not been enough to appease some supporters and Wenger, whose side are set to compete against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals next week, confirmed his decision to step down on Friday morning.
"After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," a statement released on the club's website read.
"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years."
The club said Wenger will remain in charge until the end of the season and that a new manager will be appointed "as soon as possible."
Majority owner Stan Kroenke called it "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport."
The American added: "We have high ambitions to build on Arsene's remarkable tenure and to honour his vision by ensuring that Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game.
"We must now focus on making a strong finish to the season and ask our millions of fans around the world to join us in paying appropriate tribute to one of the greats of Arsenal's history and one of the greats of the game."
