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Sat, Apr

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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the Arsenal board will review his position as manager at the end of the season.

The Frenchman signed a two-year extension in the summer to extend his 21-year reign at the club.

But, speaking on Thursday at the club's annual general meeting, he suggested that talks would take place when this campaign concludes - something he confirmed in a news conference.

"I want to see what the board thinks of my performance," Wenger said.

"After that we decide where we go from there. My desire has always been to respect my contracts, but that is what I meant."

Last season, the Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League. It was the first time they have finished outside the top four since Wenger joined in 1996.

At the end of a campaign that saw Wenger face fierce protests from fans calling for him to leave, Arsenal finished 18 points behind champions Chelsea, but beat the Blues 2-1 to win the FA Cup.

On Thursday, Wenger told shareholders that the current side has "something special" and he believes there is "a chance" of success this term.

"My hunger, my commitment is bigger than ever," he said. "I question myself a lot, don't worry, I will sit down every year to see where I go.

"The present for me is about style of play, winning trophies, winning every game. Don't think I don't know. It's essential.

"No matter what happens one day I will always love this club forever and be an eternal fan."

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust had issued a letter on the eve of the meeting urging small shareholders to vote against the re-elections of chairman Sir Chips Keswick and Josh Kroenke - the son of owner Stan - to the Arsenal board.

At least 200 small shareholders, many left standing when not enough chairs were provided, arrived at Emirates Stadium to hear from Keswick, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Wenger.

A vote was held, but with 97% of the proxy votes, held by majority shareholders Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov, in favour of both re-appointments, the rebellion was quickly quashed.

Commenting on the voting, Wenger said: "I dedicate 99% of my lifetime trying to make you happy. Looking at today, that is not easy."

But he added: "My determination is as strong as ever."

Later shareholders booed and slow-clapped the club's board, and both Wenger and Gazidis were heckled.

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