Wenger says timing of his Arsenal departure not his decision

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger watches the English Premier League soccer match against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium, London, Sunday April 22, 2018. (Mark Kerton/PA via AP)

LONDON — Arsene Wenger says the timing of his departure from Arsenal “was not really my decision,” effectively confirming he was forced out of the English club he has managed for more than 21 years.

The 68-year-old Frenchman announced last week that he would be quitting at the end of the season, saying he felt it was the right time to step down following discussions with the club’s board.

Asked Wednesday why he was leaving a year before his contract ended, Wenger said “the timing was not really my decision.”

Wenger said he is not planning to retire but that “honestly I don’t know what I will do.”

He added that he will not commit to another job while employed by Arsenal, and would not be helping the club in its search for a new manager.