Arsene Wenger says the last few days have felt like his "funeral" with the outpour of adulation he has received after he announced he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

The Frenchman stated on Friday that he would end his contract with the Gunners prematurely after 22 years at the north London club.

"I must say that I'm touched by all the praise I've got from all of English football and I'm grateful for having that experience in this country - that for me is very special," said the Arsenal manager after his side beat West Ham United 4-1 on Sunday.

"The football is special, the passion is special and you'll find that nowhere else. I know that I will not get that anymore in my life. Of course that is absolutely special and the fact that I could see the development of the Premier League in 20 years is sensational. I hope that will last a very long time.

"After that I had the feeling a little bit [like this was similar to] my funeral because people speak about you and how you were, so it was little bit interesting on that front!

"I don't need to die anymore because I know what it's like [to be at my funeral]!

"That is quite interesting but I must say, apart from a little sense of humour, I would like to thank everybody who has been nice to me.

"I certainly got more praise than I deserved and maybe sometimes more criticism than I deserved. It has been difficult but also fantastic."