---
title: "Mertesacker feels responsible for Wenger’s departure"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/09/19/mertesacker-feels-responsible-for-wengers-departure/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "Articles"
published: "2018-09-19T16:55:36Z"
modified: "2018-09-19T16:55:36Z"
---

# Mertesacker feels responsible for Wenger’s departure

Ex-Arsenal defender, and current youth coach, Per Mertesacker has claimed that it was the players at fault for Arsene Wenger’s exit from the club.

It was announced earlier this year that Wenger was stepping down, with the Frenchman leaving the club at the end of last season.

He had one more year left on his deal at The Emirates but felt as though his time was up after mass fan unrest.

Wenger spent 22 years managing Arsenal, winning multiple Premier League titles and a number of FA Cups – including three in the last five years.

[Speaking to The Mirror,](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/per-mertesacker-says-arsenal-team-13274763) Mertesacker said this:

> That was very surprising for all of us.

> He came into the meeting room and said that together with the bosses he had decided to quit at the end of the season.

> It was a sad moment because I felt like I’d done my part. His departure was the fault of us players because we had many opportunities to get better results.

> We failed while he always stood in front of us. I felt the need to be the first to speak, and expressed my deep regret.

Mertesacker spent seven seasons at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and made over 200 appearances for the club in all competitions.