Arsene Wenger has made the starling admission that the pressure of managing Arsenal was beginning to have an impact on his health.
The 69-year-old won three Premier League titles — including in 2003-04 when his ‘Invincibles’ went unbeaten for an entire season — and seven FA Cups during his time as Gunners’ boss.
He also took the club into the Champions League for 20 years in a row, but struggled during his latter years at the Emirates helm.
Wenger ultimately saw his 22-year reign come to an emotional end last season, and he has since been replaced by Spanish boss Unai Emery.
The popular Frenchman is yet to return to management, and he has now revealed that his stressful final season at the Gunners was taking a toll on his health.
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According to the Metro , Wenger, speaking at an event in France, said: “In life there are some splits that you choose and some that are imposed on you.
“In this case it was a bit of a mix of the two, because at a certain point, the fans need a change. In my last year it was becoming difficult.
“So it was both a break-up but also a relief for me, because carrying that responsibility for so long, with all the obligations that come with it, it wears you out.
“It’s extraordinarily difficult. And last year I felt I was beginning to pay the price health-wise.”
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These latest comments come after the legendary former Arsenal boss gave another huge hint that he is ready to return to football management.
Wenger has made no secret of his desire to return to the dugout - and has now revealed that his next venture may well be as an international manager before the 2022 World Cup.
According to L’Equipe Wenger made the revelation at a night in his honour at the Olympia Hall in Paris on Monday night.
Asked whether his next move could be to a national team, he said: “Maybe, but if it is to happen, it will have to be before the World Cup.”
