Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has released a statement to clarify remarks on Wednesday about his departure not being his decision.

Speaking earlier in the day at his press conference previewing Thursday night's Europa League semi-final first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid, the 68-year-old appeared to confirm that he was effectively dismissed from the job he has kept for 22 years.

When asked why he is quitting ahead of the 2019 expiry date of his existing deal, given he has always maintained he would never break a contract, Wenger replied: "The timing was not really my decision."

But later in the evening, a statement released by Wenger at 8pm, read: "After reaching agreement about my departure, I was happy for the club to decide when to announce. I wish to make it clear the timing of the announcement was right."