Arsene Wenger kicks off Arsenal AGM with a joke, saying ‘I’m sorry for making you suffer in my 20 years’

Gunners boss also apologises for the generation who have only known him as the manager of the Emirates club

ARSENE WENGER kicked off his speech at Arsenal’s Annual General Meeting by joking: I’m sorry for making you suffer.

The Gunners chief, 67, also apologised for the generation of fans who have only ever known him as the boss during his 20-year tenure of the Highury-turned-Emirates Stadium club.

However, Wenger laughed while saying there will be plenty more bosses in the next 20 years.

The Frenchman said: “Yes it’s 20 years, I’m sorry but I would like to thank you for your consistent support.

“I would like to apologise for every minute I make you suffer in these 20 years but you don’t look too bad for people who have suffered for 20 years.

“I am sorry for the boy who was born 20 years ago and only known one manager.

“I would reassure that when he will be 40 he will know a few more.

“I tried to serve for 20 years this club sincerely, with complete commitment loyalty and of course competence and that was a very important part of my guidance and I tried to respect what is important for this club, respect for people, humility and as well always try to develop the team and the club.”

Wenger went on to say that he hopes Arsenal can challenge on all front, including the EFL Cup – with the Gunners in action on Tuesday night against Reading.

The French chief said: “Our challenge is to compete for everything starting tomorrow in the League Cup and even if you see some new faces our desire is to qualify and fight for everything.

“I believe we have a squad that is more mature and better equipped to cope with all the challenges we have.

“That is the target and I am absolutely committed to fulfil and give my best so that we are successful until the end of the season.

“Let’s meet these challenges together as you have a big part to play in our success and I wish you all the best.”

Earlier Wenger had claimed he reckons Arsenal have a real shot at winning the Premier League, saying: “I believe we have a compete team in a very competitive league.

“If you look now it is 20 points which means the championship will be decided between 82 to 86 points and what we have learnt since the start of the season is every game is a fight and you need absolutely to be at your best to win.

“That means we have to be really focused on details, keeping the energy inside out club but even more inside our team as every single detail can get you points.

“We have an important month in front of us as end of October and November could be an important month because we have many big games and having our injuries back could play a key part in that.”