Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick has responded to questions around Arsene Wenger’s future by saying that while fans are entitled to their opinions, the club will continue to be run with “its best long-term interests at heart”
Keswick issued the statement following Arsenal’s Champions League exit following the 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.
"We respect that fans are entitled to their different individual opinions but we will always run this great football club with its best long-term interests at heart,” he said.
Speaking to the media before Keswick's statement was released, Wenger admitted the mood of fans will influence whether or not he signs a new deal.
Asked whether the fans' opinion of him has any impact on the decision, he replied: "Yes. Of course, you consider everything.
"It will not be the most important factor but of course, you consider it.
"It is difficult for me to judge (the protest). I have worked very hard for 20 years to make our fans happy and when you lose the games, I understand they are not happy.
"I do not want to judge that, I am not able to. I live in my daily work with my complete commitment.
"After that, I have said many times that you have to accept different opinions.
"Look, I don't work for my image, I work for this club with full commitment.
"I think I've shown since I'm here that first of all I love this club, that I'm loyal to this club and that I make the right decisions for this club.
"I will continue to do that. Of course, in respecting the values that I think are vital for me. If I cannot do that, I will not be here."
The visit of Vanarama National League leaders Lincoln offers a chance for respite for Wenger and his players, but also the opportunity for the Imps to heap more misery on the club.
The heavy loss to Bayern may have seen Arsenal humiliated on a big stage but, unlike the influence of the fans, Wenger says the outcome will have no bearing on his future.
"It's in the first game that we failed," he said of the Bayern tie.
"In the second game, we had good moments and were a bit unlucky with the decisions of the referee. That will not be a decider (for my future)."
