Arsene Wenger

The Frenchman departs a year before his latest contract was due to expire.

The Gunners are sixth in the league and set to miss out on a top-four spot for the second straight season, with their hopes of reaching the Champions League resting on winning the Europa League.

Wenger, 68, won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002.

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years," said Wenger. "I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

The shot-stopper made numerous saves as the English side earned a 1-1 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Wenger praised the Colombia international for his display, but said he already knew of his – and Petr Cech's – quality.

"I have two world-class goalkeepers, I will repeat that. I know we have enough games to give them games," he said, via the club's website.

"But if you cannot play… you cannot keep as well two world-class goalkeepers that don't get games."

Cech was left on the bench as Ospina made his first appearance of the season for Wenger's men.

The Gunners reached the final in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona, but have failed to progress beyond the last 16 in the last six seasons.

Wenger, who has entered the last year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, is under particular pressure to mount a serious challenge for the latter stages as question marks remain over his long-term future.

And, though the 66-year-old says his personal circumstances have no bearing on their aims for this term, he is keen to see his side produce some of their best football against the continent's elite.