Wenger reacts to Arsenal’s European failure

Following their failure to reach the final of the Europa League, Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger has rued his side’s inability to win a continental trophy throughout his stay at the club.

The Frenchman had announced his decision to leave at the end of the season after being in the job for nearly 22 years, and his imminent exit was seen as an extra incentive for his players to secure the Europa crown.

But the Gunners lost 1-0 to La Liga giants, Atletico Madrid on Thursday night after they had been held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Wenger, who presided over three Premier League title wins and seven FA Cup triumphs, said he it is “very sad” he was unable to guide the club to any European trophy during his time.

“I’m very sad to leave the club with that exit,” the coach said after their defeat.

Read Also: Marseille snatch extra-time winner at Salzburg to set up Atletico final

“It takes some time to recover from that, after I will see what I do with myself in the future. I have no plans at the moment.

“I am like the team; very sad and very disappointed, even very frustrated, as well, because when you go out of a competition and you had the performances in the 180 minutes that we had, it is very difficult to take.

“We missed something in the final third. You look at the number of chances we created in the two games, the least you can say is we can be very frustrated.

“Congratulations to Atletico and good luck in the final. The winner of tonight’s game is the clear favourite to win the competition.

“Overall they are a clever side who defend very well. [Diego] Godin tonight saved five, six balls on crosses, absolutely, in amazing positions. They have great defenders.”

Atletico will meet Marseille, who also saw off RB Leipzig, in the final in Lyon on May 16.

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