Arsene Wenger reportedly kept his departure announcement a secret from his players.
Despite having signed a new two-year contract with the Gunners last summer, the Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be stepping down from his role as manager of the club at the end of the season.
Wenger will bring an end to his 22-year spell in charge of the Gunners and this has come as a shock to many players and pundits.
Wenger is one of the most successful managers in the modern generation and during his lengthy spell in charge of the club he has won three Premier League titles and several FA Cups.
However, he has come under increasing pressure to step down during the last two seasons after the club failed to secure qualification to the Champions League last season and are unlikely to do so this term.
The Sun reports Wenger informed his players of his decision shortly before the news broke to the public.