ARSENE WENGER has resigned as Arsenal manager after a stunning bust-up with a number of senior players.
Express Sport understands Arsene Wenger has tendered his resignation at Arsenal and has left the club with immediate effect.
The Arsenal boss was involved in a furious row with a group of his players this morning, thought to be instigated by contract rebel Alexis Sanchez.
Wenger was going through Arsenal’s final preparations for their clash with Manchester City tomorrow (4pm) when Sanchez is believed to have asked his manager if he was staying or leaving.
Arsene Wenger has resigned as Arsenal manager after a bust-up with players
Arsenal stars in stunning training ground bust-up
Sat, April 1, 2017
Wenger’s current contract expires in the summer and he has yet to make an announcement on his future despite insisting before the international break he would reveal his plans “very soon”.
The 67-year-old reacted angrily to Sanchez’s question in front of the rest of the squad and the pair started arguing in Spanish.
Arsenal’s British players including Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain demanded to know what was being said, sparking a shouting match at their London Colney training ground.
Arsenal insider Avril Foolio told Express Sport : “Wenger was explaining how he wanted half the team to defend corners by zonal marking and the other half by man-marking when Sanchez confronted him about his future.
“Wenger tried to brush the issue aside by replying to Sanchez in Spanish telling him they would speak after the session.
“But the Ox and a few other English players took exception to the discussion and demanded to know what was being said.
“Before you knew it everyone had got involved and it turned into a proper bust-up, with players shouting at their manager and one another.
“Once it had all settled down it became clear Wenger had left the room in the middle of the argument."
Mesut Ozil was seen talking to Wenger outside the changing room, before the boss picked up a few personal possessions from his office and drove out of the training ground in his Fiat 500.
Arsenal refused to comment when asked by Express Sport whether Wenger had resigned - but revealed they would be releasing a statement at midday today.
But according to sources close to the manager, he will not be at the Emirates for the game against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and has no plans to return to the club.
The Frenchman believes he has lost the dressing room and is now planning for a future away from English football.
Wenger has already received three money-spinning offers to manage in the Chinese Super League.
His assistant Steve Bould is expected to take temporary charge against City and is destined to be asked about his former boss.