Arsenal major shareholder Alisher Usmanov says Arsene Wenger has his full support.

The Uzbek billionaire gave a rare television interview this morning.

Speaking in broken English, Usmanov told CNBC in Moscow: "First I did not hear the claims that Arsene Wenger was against me and the board, and I am surprised about this.

"Second I always tell Mr Wenger he is one of the best coaches and football managers in the world but I openly admit he has many, many difficulties to contend with.

"Today less, but over the last five years he has not had enough support to provide his conceptions of his game in Arsenal from the board, either for transfers or for keeping players etc."