Arsenal stars leave training after it was announced that Arsene Wenger would be quitting the club at the end of the season

ARSENAL players left training on Friday following the shock announcement that Arsene Wenger will quit at the end of the season.

Wenger, 68, will step down as boss at the end of the season after 22 years in the role.

The news was announced on Friday morning, with Wenger set to depart 12 months into a two-year deal.

Gunners stars walked away in tears after finding out their would be a new man in the hotseat next season.

They were none the wiser until Wenger called the squad into a meeting this morning at their London Colney training complex to reveal his departure.

He told the players just minutes before the announcement was made public.

Wenger asked Arsenal chiefs to hold off announcing his decision to leave the club so he could inform his players first-hand.

January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were seen leaving the Colney training base in their cars.

Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Petr Cech and Rob Holding were also pictured.

Wilshere led tributes to "father figure" Wenger following the revelation he is leaving.

He tweeted: "To the man who gave me my chance as a 16-year-old, and showed unbelievable faith and commitment towards me.

To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbeliveable faith and commitment towards me. Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us no… pic.twitter.com/wTmjTSYwNx

— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 20, 2018

"Always a gentleman, like a father through the tough times in my career.

"He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss!"

Wenger praised his players and staff in the short statement he released through the club on Friday morning.

"After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," it read.

Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man. The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss ❤ pic.twitter.com/EP26M6TP3W

— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) April 20, 2018

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.

"I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.

"I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. My love and support for ever."