Alisher Usmanov: Arsene Wenger's Arsenal legacy at 'real risk' unless manager receives full support of board

James Olley31 May 2017

Alisher Usmanov has warned Arsene Wenger's legacy at Arsenal will be damaged if he does not receive the board's full support.

The Gunners confirmed on Wednesday aftenoon that Wenger will remain in charge of the club until 2019 after agreeing terms on a two-year contract following talks with majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and rest of the board.

Usmanov owns a 30 per cent stake in Arsenal but does not hold a seat on the board amid an ongoing difference in opinion with Kroenke over the club's future direction.

The Russian businessman had a £1billion takeover bid rejected earlier this month as Kroenke reaffirmed his commitment to the club's current plan, a position reinforced by agreeing to extend Wenger's 21-year stay as manager.

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And Usmanov said in a statement: "I am pleased that Arsene Wenger will continue to manage Arsenal for the next two years as he is one of the very best coaches in Europe.

"What is now of paramount importance is that he receives the full support of the board and majority shareholder.

"He has a great opportunity to deliver the success that the fans deserve and the legacy that his long contribution merits.

"However without the right support there remains a real risk that his legacy will be tarnished.

"If the support is not forthcoming, we stand ready to step in and do everything we can to deliver success on and off the field."

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