In his first significant media engagement since announcing his decision to stand down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season Wenger revealed that, while he was not resentful, the lack of unity among fans had played a role in convincing him to step down.
Wenger has been the subject of protests and marches from a vocal section of the fan base in recent years and appeared to be hurt at seeing the club he has managed for 22 years and himself become a subject of ridicule among some in England.
Rice, Wenger’s No.2 from his appointment in 1996 until 2012, is in no doubt that his former colleague took the opprobrium to heart.
“I think he would feel very hurt about the reaction he was getting but at the end of the day we all know we are in a business where it can happen to anybody,” Rice told Sky Sports.
“It is not the first time it has happened to a football manager but when you think what he has done for our great club it is a shame that it had to end this way.
“I'm just hoping that for the last home game of the season [against Burnley] everybody shows their appreciation to a wonderful man and a tremendous manager.”
On his announcement on Friday that he would be leaving the club the terms of the debate around Wenger almost immediately changed, with disgruntlement and disputes over his future replaced with warm tributes to the 68-year-old.
Wenger will depart three league titles and record seven FA Cups and will hope to add the European trophy that has eluded him so far as his side vie with Atletico Madrid for a spot in the Europa League final.
In Pictures | Arsene Wenger's 22 years at Arsenal
“In my eyes he is the best Arsenal manager there has ever been,” Rice added.
Read More
“Having seen the way he works and the way he treats people, everybody is treated with respect. He always looked after his staff, he is just an incredible manager.
“The foresight that he had was just second to none and he changed the way of people's thinking about football in England, there's absolutely no doubt about that.”
