Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has explained why he has not been back to the Emirates to watch his beloved Gunners in action since he left the club.
The Frenchman stepped down from his role as manager in 2018, ending an illustrious 22-year reign that saw Arsenal lift three Premier League titles as well as seven FA Cups. Given his affection for the club, many assumed he'd pay his old stomping ground a visit at least once or twice a season and watch Arsenal play.
Instead, Wenger has steered well clear of the stadium and not watched the Gunners once, despite the fact they are now led by a former player of his in Mikel Arteta. Many have tried to explain the reasons behind his absence for him, but at long last Wenger himself has discussed his reluctance to return.
At the launch of former Arsenal chairman and Wenger's close friend David Dein's book, the Arsenal legend explained: "No, I haven't been there, I think you know after 22 years maybe I arrived at the end of the road and people wanted a change, I can understand.
"I must say I always loyal to the club and turned many many clubs down because I felt like my life was linked with the club. The club has chosen a different direction, that I can understand completely and sometimes you need to change completely and have a new start.
"My presence there could have been a problem, so I stay away completely and give the club the chance to rebuild a new connection with the new manager and that's why I never talked about Arsenal, never came back to Arsenal because I didn't want to be a presence that is not maybe not good for the club."
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Wenger's comments come just months after there were calls for Arsenal to oversee his return in a working role, though it was unclear what position he would take up. The speculation reached Arteta, who spoke out on the idea of a reunion with his old boss.
"I spoke to him when we went to see the film (Arsene Wenger: Invincible). It was incredibly pleasant to see him and to chat to him," the Spaniard explained.
"Hopefully we can bring him close [to the club] because I think he would have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he's around this place, because of the respect, admiration and love that everybody at the club has for what he's done and for what he represents as a person in this club."
Though he was hounded out by certain sections of the Arsenal faithful towards the end of his reign, the general consensus among supporters is that Wenger would certainly be welcomed back with open arms were he to come and watch a game at the Emirates soon.
