Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says fan opinion will play a part in his decision whether to remain at the club beyond this season.

His statement follows the supporter protests that saw a large number of fans march from Highbury to the Emirates before Arsenal’s 5-1 defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.

The fans chanted anti-Wenger songs and carried banners that read: ‘No New Contract’.

Speaking this morning the long-serving Frenchman said: “It will not be the most important factor but you consider it, of course.

“I worked very hard for 20 years to make our fans happy and when you lose I understand they are not.”

Speculation is mounting Wenger will announce soon if he is expected to take up the offer of a new contract, believed to be a two year extension.

With the club set to face giant-killers Lincoln City in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday Wenger added: “My decision is to focus on the next game and be absolutely sure we respond well on Saturday.”