"It was hurtful" - Arsene Wenger talks his departure decision and how fans ‘destroyed club’s image’

Arsene Wenger in a recenr pre-match interview. [Photo: Courtesy]

Arsene Wenger says he has been left "hurt" by the Arsenal fans' actions over the past few seasons as he hinted the supporters played a factor in his decision to leave.

The Gunners boss was speaking following his side's 4-1 win over West Ham - the first game he managed since making his announcement on Friday.

The Frenchman revealed he would leave the north Londoners at the end of the season, ending a 22-year reign at the club.

Speaking about the role the fans played in his decision to leave, Wenger said: "I personally feel this club is respected all over the world much more than in England.

"Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful.

"I feel the club is respected and overall the image we gave from our club is not what it is and not what I like."

Wenger added: "I'm not resentful of the fans. I do not want to make stupid headlines. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, that is more important to me.