Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits retiring from football is ‘frightening’

Arsene Wenger has insisted his stubbornness has helped him be a success in football for 21 years at Arsenal.

The manager took over at Arsenal in 1996 and will take charge of his 400th away game in the Premier League against Everton on Sunday. Arsenal have fallen away from challenging for major silverware in recent years with a growing number of supporters believing modern football has passed Wenger by. The Frenchman admits that he is a stubborn man, but insisted his persistence was one of his best qualities. ‘I’m a guy that’s absolutely passionate and I think my family would agree that I’m stubborn as well,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘There’s always a fine line between being stubborn and stupid but if you give up too quickly in life you do nothing well. ‘Persistence is an underrated quality. If you look at people who are successful, most of them have a consistent determination to do what they want and are ready to commit completely. Wenger was 33 when he began his managerial career and is Arsenal’s longest reigning and most successful manager in their history.

The Frenchman was urged to leave Arsenal in the summer by many fans who have become disillusioned with his reign at the Emirates. A fifth-place finish last season dumped the Gunners out of the Champions League. Despite the troubles, Wenger was handed a two-year deal to continue at Arsenal, but the Londoners are currently 9 points off leaders Manchester City in the league.

Wenger celebrates his 68th birthday on Sunday and he admitted the idea of retiring from football management was a ‘frightening’ prospect. ‘Every end is to be in front of the unknown and of course it can be a bit frightening,’ said Wenger.

‘But even if it is frightening, I’m not too scared. ‘I just want to do what I do as long as I think I can do it well and I have the motivation to do it. On that front, I have no doubt. ‘After, the day will come quickly, maybe not, but I am completely focused and completely committed.’