Arsenal Invincibles legend Gilberto Silva believes Arsene Wenger should have ended his long-standing association with the Gunners back in May 2017 – following the club’s FA Cup success over Chelsea.
Wenger’s 22-year stint in north London came to an acrimonious end last May after missing out on a top-four spot for the second season running.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT, the former Arsenal midfielder reckons his old boss missed the perfect opportunity to call it a day after beating the then Premier League champions 2-1 at Wembley.
He said: “When Arsenal won the FA Cup against Chelsea that was a good moment for Arsene (to leave) in my mind.
“But of course I know Arsene very well, he is a football man. He loves the game, and he loves Arsenal.
“You have to respect someone like that and let him leave on his own terms.
“At the time when he won the FA Cup it was also difficult to find someone to replace him.”
Wenger, who won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his time at Arsenal, reportedly has four job offers on the table as the 69-year-old eyes an imminent return to management.
Arsenal face another huge battle to regain their spot in the Champions League for next season, with Emery’s men currently lying sixth in the Premier League – three points off fourth-placed Chelsea.