Don’t question my love for Arsenal – Wenger

Arsene Wenger insisted he was proud of his players despite Arsenal missing out on the Champions League for the first time in his 21-year reign as manager.

Wenger also insisted that his love for the club could not be questioned as many Gunners fans continue to call for him to go.

Wenger’s contract expires this summer and it has not yet been confirmed that he will sign a new contract.

Some supporters have protested against him for much of the season and Wenger believes an acrimonious spell earlier in the campaign ultimately proved costly.

Arsenal won 3-1 at home to Everton in their final league match of the season but wins for Manchester City and Liverpool meant Wenger’s team finished fifth in the Premier League table.

Wenger told reporters after the game: “It is annoying but we had a spell during the season that was difficult and it was difficult for me in my personal situation.

“We were playing in a hostile environment. The players came back stronger in the past two months and I’m very proud of them for doing that.

“I was focused on my job. I am a professional. I love this club enough to do my best every single day.

“One thing you cannot question is my love for this club. I’ve turned down every club in the world to stay here.”

In a further blow for Arsenal, key defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off and will therefore be suspended for next weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.