Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the clearest indication yet, that he intends to continue as a manager next season.
The 67-year-old is the longest-serving manager in English football by almost a decade. He was named as Arsenal's manager in October 1996, with Exeter City's Paul Tisdale (the second-longest) taking charge in June 2006.
Wenger has only managed for teams in his 33-year career, with spells in France and Japan, before moving to London. Speaking on Friday morning at a press conference ahead of the FA Cup Fifth Round, Wenger confirmed he will be in a managerial dugout next season.
"I will manage next season whether it is here or somewhere else", he revealed in what is one of his most revealing comments about his managerial future.
He also confirmed that he will make a decision on his immediate future in the coming months. Wenger's contract concludes at the end of the season, but there is a two-year extension on the table for the Frenchman.
"I will decide future in March or April, but I don't know when. I speak to the board but I don't want to speak about how they view my future. What's important is the club, not my future."
Although his future is unknown in London, Wenger spoke about his successor claiming it's "important for the club to make the right decision for the future."
"I had many opportunities to go somewhere else but I care for this club and its future. It is important to be in safe hands."
He also warned Arsenal's fans that things will not automatically improve if he does leave, citing that a new manger will need time to bed in at the Emirates.
"Even if I go, Arsenal will not win every game. As long as you don’t win everything, there is always something wrong. You have to accept that."
"In the last 20 clubs in Europe, only three clubs have played every season in the Champions League - Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid."
If Wenger does decide to stay at Arsenal, the coming months will be very interesting viewing for outsiders.
"I will manage next season" - Arsene Wenger says he will make a decision on his #AFC future in March or April, but he won't retire. #FACup pic.twitter.com/HdsyY21x44
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 17, 2017
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