Arsene Wenger: Retiring will be an “extremely difficult shock”

Arsene Wenger admits he is in for a culture shock when he finally decides to step down as Arsenal manager and retire from the game, as per L’Equipe (via Get French Football News).

The 66-year-old has earned legendary status in English football after joining the Gunners in 1996 and guiding them to several honours including three league titles and six FA Cups.

Wenger is currently the longest-serving manager in the top flight by a long stretch ahead of second-placed Eddie Howe, who has been in charge of Bournemouth for just over three years.

The Frenchman is currently in his 20th season in charge of Arsenal and recently hinted that he could be ready to leave when his contract expires in 2017, as per the Daily Mirror.

And the former Monaco boss has revealed that an “extremely difficult shock” lies ahead for him when he finally does decide to retire from management and leave Arsenal.

''I totally ignore this question,” said Wenger. “I am a bit like a guy who is 34 and is still playing. He has a bad game and we tell him: ‘um, ok, you need to stop my friend.’

''I do not even ask myself the question about what I will do afterwards, because it will be an extremely difficult shock.

''Much more difficult than the one I experienced going from a player to a manager. Because with this one, it will be about switching from hyperactivity to emptiness. It is for that reason that I refuse to ask myself that question.

''I am like a guy who is not very far from goal, who continues to advance, and who ignores the wall.”

Wenger was recently named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for October after winning all four league games including victories over Manchester United and Everton.

Arsenal’s four-game winning streak last month has pushed them level with Manchester City at the summit and they kept up their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.