Arsene Wenger has confessed that he is 'frightened' about the prospect of bringing an end to his managerial career, as he prepares for a landmark 400th league away game as Arsenal boss.
The Frenchman has hit numerous milestones during his 21-year reign in North London, most recently ousting George Ramsay as the most successful manager in FA Cup history with seven triumphs to his name.
Wenger has seen the pressure grow in more recent times, however, having seen his side struggle to compete at the top end of the Premier League table.
Ahead of today's trip to Everton, the long-serving manager admitted that he now feels as though he has a "mission" to complete at the Emirates Stadium before eventually stepping aside.
Asked if he is frightened about retirement, he told Sky Sports News: "Yes. Because every end is to be in front of the unknown and of course it can be a bit frightening. But even if it is frightening, I'm not too scared. I just want to do what I do as long as I think I can do it well and I have the motivation to do it.
"On that front, I have no doubt. After, the day will come quickly, maybe not, but I am completely focused and completely committed. I started this job at the age of 33 so I've done 35 years without having a stop at all. There's no break; it's 35 years of total focus and dedication to football life.
"Why keep doing it? Because I love it. Because it's a job where I think you can have a very positive influence: on people's lives, on results, on the dimensions of a football club, on values - because I think first of all a club is about values, which we forget a lot today.
"I feel on a mission to carry these values through for this club because I think this club is usually respected all over the world for its values and it carries through the generations."
Wenger signed another contract extension in May to keep him in place until the end of next season.
Daniel Lewis
