Wenger is staying insists Gazidis

Ap
Thursday 21 May 2009 05:43 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "clearly staying" with the Premier League club, chief executive Ivan Gazidis said today.

Gazidis told The Associated Press that Wenger - recently linked with Spain's Real Madrid - has the club's "unequivocal support" and is expected to see his contract through for the two remaining seasons.

"He is clearly staying," Gazidis told the AP in Dubai. "We've said that, he said that. He has the full support, unequivocal support of our board."

Gazidis added he would like to see the Frenchman stay after his contract expires in 2011.

"We believe in the strategy we've embarked upon," Gazidis said.

He spoke as Arsenal defender Gael Clichy unveiled a new soccer school in the Gulf emirate in partnership with club sponsor Emirates airline.

It has been reported that Wenger, who has been at Arsenal for 12 years, is considering leaving for Real Madrid after some fans criticised him at a meeting last week and because of a limited transfer budget.

Wenger sparked the speculation over the weekend by saying coaching Real Madrid would be "obviously interesting."

Florentino Perez announced his candidacy last week to become Madrid president for a second time in the club's elections in the offseason. He reportedly tried to sign Wenger during his first stint and has been linked again with the Arsenal manager.

Some Arsenal fans have become increasingly frustrated after a fourth consecutive season without a trophy and Wenger's reliance on young players.

Arsenal will finish in fourth place this season in the Premier League, meaning the Gunners will have to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in