Wenger wants ‘peaceful’ end to Mourinho confrontation
Arsene Wenger insists he respects long-term adversary Jose Mourinho and is keen for his Arsenal farewell to go “peacefully” as he prepares for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United.
A surprise announcement last week confirmed Wenger will end a spell of over 21 years as Arsenal manager when he steps down at the end of the season.
The 68-year-old has had a number of unsavoury spats with Mourinho since the Portuguese took over at Chelsea in 2004 – with the rivalry between the pair often leading to verbal – and sometimes physical – altercations.
Wenger had not beaten Mourinho in a competitive fixture until a 2-0 win over Manchester United towards the end of last season.
While the two have clashed in the past, Mourinho spoke warmly about Wenger following his announcement and has since suggested they could “even be friends in the future”.
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford either side of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, with the tie finely-poised after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
Wenger was asked about Mourinho’s kind words and whether he felt an unlikely friendship could be struck up at some point.
“It depends,” he said.
“I respect him of course…you should give me a little bit of peace for my final weeks and not try to push me into another confrontation.
“I want to go peacefully, and with Mourinho now because he is a great manager. I say goodbye to everyone. In France we say au revoir which means you might see me again.”
