London: Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says the players are focused on winning the Europa League as well as their four remaining Premier League games to give manager Arsene Wenger the perfect send-off.
Wenger announced on Friday he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign during which they won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
European success eluded Arsenal under Wenger but they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.
“He made it very clear to us that this is his clear target now, to win the Europa League and every match we are going to face now. Now we can come together and let him leave in style,” Mertesacker said.
“The team responded to his announcement fairly quickly. We had an atmosphere that, we want to do it for you to send you off in the best possible way.”
Arsenal, currently sixth in the league, have yet to name a successor to Wenger, who Mertesacker said had been the “best possible fit” for the side.
“Now we have to find another good fit to start a new era,” the German added.
Arsenal midfielder Mohammad Elneny is to miss the first leg of the Europa League semi-final because of an ankle ligament injury.
Elneny, 25, was injured during Arsenal’s 4-1 home victory over West Ham United on Sunday.
“Further to assessments and scans on Sunday and Monday, we can confirm that Mo Elneny has sustained ligament damage to his left ankle,” the English club announced on Monday.
“We are hoping that Mo will be available for Arsenal again this season and we are keeping in regular contact with the Egyptian Football Association,” the statement added.
