Wenger talks Arsenal successor as he prepares for Emirates farewell

Arsene Wenger insists he is “not involved” in identifying his Arsenal successor as he prepares to bid farewell to the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The Frenchman will stand down at the end of the season after almost 22 years in charge, with the final chance of rounding off his long reign with a trophy evaporating with defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League on Thursday night.

There is plenty of speculation regarding the next man in charge at the Gunners, but Wenger insisted whoever it is, it will be without any input from him.

“I’m not involved in that, and it’s not my job. My job is not to choose my successor,” he told Sky Sports.

“If someone asks my opinion I will give it, of course. A club works well when everybody does their job.”

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Asked about the defeat to Atletico, Wenger added: “All the love stories come to an end and they do not always finish well.

“Most of the time they do not finish well.”

He admitted the match against Burnley would be an emotional occasion.

“I feel sad because I love this club and what it represents and you don’t leave 22 years of your life and walk away easy,” he said.

“But I have dealt with difficult situations in my life and I will do it again.”