Arsene Wenger has expressed his 'huge disappointment' at David Dein's enforced departure from Arsenal.
The Gunners manager attended a board meeting of the London outfit on Thursday afternoon, where he is understood to have grilled the directors on their future plans and the reasons behind Dein's exit.
Dein, who was vice-chairman, has been Wenger's closest friend and ally in English football for 17 years and the power struggle at Arsenal raises big question marks over the Frenchman's plans when his contract runs out in May next year.
After the meeting Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: 'It is a sad day for Arsenal Football Club. It is a huge disappointment because we worked very closely together. David has contributed highly to the success of the club in the last 10 years and even before that as well. Red and white are the colours of his heart.'
It is likely that Wenger will see what develops in the Arsenal power struggle before making any decision because Dein is thought to be considering a joint takeover bid with American billionaire Stan Kroenke.
Wenger insisted however he was on good terms with the other directors.
He said: 'My position is that I am linked with the club very strongly. The relationship with the rest [of the board] has always been very good and we try always to have a good understanding.'
The involvement of Kroenke was the reason behind Dein's split with the rest of the Arsenal board - he was in favour of the American taking on a major role at the club, while the other directors were against such a move.
Friends of Dein say he is taking time to consider his next move - he still owns 14% of the club - but the natural step would be to team up with Kroenke, who has an 11% shareholding.
