Arsene Wenger Refuses to Commit Past 2008

Arsene Wenger refused to be drawn on his long-term plans in his first press conference after David Dein's shock resignation from Arsenal's board - confirming only that he would honour his current contract, which runs until 2008.

Dein, who bought Wenger to Arsenal from Japan's Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996, quit the board on Wednesday, apparently after a dispute with fellow board members over whether to sell the club to US tycoon Stan Kroenke - a move Dein is believed to favour. Wenger has always enjoyed a close working relationship with Dein, and made no secret of his disappointment at his departure yesterday, calling it a "sad day", and suggesting he would want to speak to the board about the circumstances surrounding his exit.

But reports that Wenger was ready to walk out on the club appear to have been premature, and although he refused to comment on his future past 2008, he was keen to emphasise that he would not be going anywhere in the immediate term.

"I am committed to the club and to the contract to 2008," said Wenger today. "I will try to give my best as long as I am here. I have one-and-a-half years [on my] contract - therefore I always feel we have the interest of our fans in mind. I will always give my best for the club and I am committed to do that. I do not want to speak about beyond my contract because I think it is important to concentrate on the short term and to the end of the season."

Wenger, who insisted "at a big club you have to deal with all kinds of adversity", claimed Dein had "contributed hugely to the success of this club and I think English football".

He continued: "It is a disappointment and a big loss. David always at heart had the best interest of the club. Even if I am very sad it is important to keep the best interest of the club in mind. We have many young players and I want to develop this team and go as high up as we can. I don't want speculation; you could talk about the consequences a lot."