On being reminded he had been in the Arsenal hot seat for sixteen years, Wenger quipped, with a knowingly mischievous smirk, "Another sixteen? Why not?"
"If I had told you in 1996 I would be here for nearly two decades, you would not have believed me! There was maybe an 18:83 chance of such a consistent managerial run. Perhaps 19.58%. But no, I do not think I am exceptional to be in this position. Is it an exceptional quality to be in one job for so long? I do not like to comment on speculation. But yes, Dario Gradi is special quality."
The Frenchman believes good health is the key to his long tenure and hopes he can continue as long the Arsenal hierarchy wants him.
"If you talk to Alex Ferguson, Martin O'Neill or Capello, they will tell you it is little bit a young man's game. But maybe Steve Kean and Southgate tell you it is not!"
Whatever the future holds, Wenger feels lucky to be in his position.
"Was I unknown when I came to Arsenal? Yes. Was I given time to prove my qualities? I can not say. But I only expected to be here for two to three weeks and it has become as well you know a lifetime!"