The very idea of Arsene Wenger leaving Arsenal was difficult to comprehend for a large section of the fanbase, who had worshipped their managerial legend for the majority of his 22-year reign at the club.
But on the other side, it was almost inevitable considering the protests from disgruntled members of the Gunners’ supporters, who felt Wenger had overstayed his welcome at the Emirates Stadium. Their opposition led to placards with the words ‘Wenger Out’ scrawled over them, highlighting just how easy it is for things to turn sour in football.
Wenger was leaving at the time where Arsenal were arguably at their lowest. They were no longer favourites to qualify for the Champions League, let alone capable of mounting a title challenge. An FA Cup was about as much as they could hope for under Wenger, with progress almost stagnant at this stage. The Frenchman obviously felt with a heavy heart that it was time to go, with his contract running down.
