Arsene Wenger has criticised Arsenal’s decision to sack their former head of international recruitment Francis Cagigao.
Cagigao worked as a scout under Wenger for 21 years at Arsenal and played a key role in identifying some of the Gunners’ top signings including Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Robin van Persie and Lauren.
Cagigao was surprisingly one of 55 staff departures at Arsenal in August as the Gunners cut costs in response to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
But Wenger has questioned the motive behind Arsenal’s decision.
Asked if was concerned by Arsenal’s call to offload Cagigao, Wenger told The Guardian: ‘Yes, because Cagigao did outstanding work.
‘I was amazed but what is the real reason?
‘Certainly it was not financial because we spent a lot of money after that.
‘I don’t know if you put the wages together of these 55 people that you can buy a player with it.’
Wenger also admitted he was unhappy with the ‘hostility’ he received from some members of Arsenal’s hierarchy in the final stages of his time at the club.
‘The hostility of a section of the fans and the board was unjustified,’ said Wenger.
‘Arsenal was a matter of life and death to me, and without it there were some very lonely, very painful moments.’
