'One of the best.' 'He moved the goalposts.' Premier League managers are full of praise for outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. With the Arsenal managerial job now available, the FC crew assess the possible successors to Arsene Wenger and the challenges they will face. The FC crew discuss the timing of Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Arsenal, his legacy after 22 years at the club and what he will do next. Mark Ogden and Alison Bender reflect on Arsene Wenger's managerial legacy as he prepares to leave Arsenal after 22 years. When asked about his favourite memories about Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis praises his affection and how he gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.
LONDON, England -- Arsene Wenger has said he will speak more about his decision to quit Arsenal at the end of the season but for now he remains focused on finishing the campaign as strong as possible.
In his first programme notes since announcing that he will end his Arsenal reign at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in charge, Wenger wrote: "I do not want to say too much now, but as I said on Friday I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club with full commitment and integrity for so many memorable years.
"For now, there are still seven football matches to play this season -- hopefully eight if we can triumph over Atletico [Madrid] -- and my immediate thoughts have to be about these games, starting with West Ham today."
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, he added: "First of all I am focused on the game. At the end of the day my job is to win the next game and we have to make a separation between the feelings and emotions that come with such a decision as well as with the job and I want to do my job well until the end.
"I am in this job for a long time. I have gone through very difficult times so you learn to deal with difficult situations.
"I will come out on that a bit later but at the moment it is important to focus on what matters. That means the results in the next games. After the game we have another game. After the season maybe.
"I believe that what is interesting for people is to know who's in charge of the club and team. I dedicate my whole life to making this club a solid club with strong foundations and I always said I want to leave the club with an opportunity for the new guy to come in to find a solid and ambitious club.
"I will focus on the game. My life is to win games. That is what I will do. I hope the team will deal with positive emotions. We have had some adversity and I think in last the games I would like the team to be supported well. We have had a good season at home. We want to finish the season well."
Arsenal face Atletico in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday at the Emirates, which will be the penultimate home game of Wenger's career at the club.
Wenger ended his notes by thanking "the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special. My love and support for Arsenal will last forever and I urge our fans to to stand behind the team so we can finish on a high."
CEO Ivan Gazidis refused to discuss the reasons for that decision during a news conference on Friday.
Mattias is ESPN FC's Arsenal correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @MattiasKaren.
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Source: espn.co.uk