The Gunners boss said he shunned the overtures of other clubs to stay with them in a difficult period and believes he deserves more recognition
Arsene Wenger revealed he turned down multiple clubs to ensure the completion of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, bemoaning his loyalty has been insufficiently recognised by critics gone "overboard".
The 66-year-old has reminded his detractors that it was his commitment to the cause that secured the club the funds to complete the construction of their new grounds in 2006, as the pressure continues to build on the faltering Frenchman.
Wenger has again failed to deliver a credible title challenge to the Arsenal faithful, as the club stares down the barrel at a trophyless season for the first time in two years.
But while Arsenal fans were seen carrying placards calling for Wenger's near-20-year reign at the club to come to an end, the Frenchman said that he could have left many times over the years but chose to stay loyal to the London team he has helped to three league titles, the last of which came in 2004.
"When we built the stadium the banks demanded that I signed for five years," said the 66-year-old. "I did it. Do you want me to tell you how many clubs I turned down during that period?
"The banks wanted the technical consistency to guarantee that we have a chance to pay [them] back. I did commit and I stayed under very difficult circumstances. So for me to come back and on top of that [critics] reproach me for not having won the championship during that period it is a bit overboard.
"I accept criticism [but] I think that it is a bit too far."
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- Goal