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Timing of Arsenal departure 'not really my decision'- Arsene Wenger

It was announced on Friday that the Frenchman would leave the club at the end of the season, despite having a year left on his contract.

Speaking before Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, Wenger said: "I focus on what I have to do every day.

"At the moment, I work like ever."

The 68-year-old said he would continue to work "for sure" in the future, but was not ready to commit to anything else "at the moment".

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Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002, under Wenger.

'I have a high opinion of Enrique'

Luis Enrique won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey three times with Barca

A number of managers have been linked with replacing Wenger, including former captain Patrick Vieira and ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.

Asked about the Spaniard, Wenger said: "I don't want to influence the next manager, but of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique."

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Arsenal previously said that a replacement would be announced as soon as possible, while chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club must be bold in their search for a new manager.

"Is there a perfect goodbye? I don't know. I just want to do as well as I can," Wenger said.

Thursday's match will be the final time Wenger takes charge of Arsenal for a home European tie.

Arsenal's hopes of reaching the Champions League next season rest on winning the Europa League.

"This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them, to achieve something with them," he added.

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"My biggest satisfaction would be to be successful with the players we have."

Credit:BBC

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