Ahead of Tuesday’s rematch with Porto in the Champions League, the Frenchman claimed the Gunners are a major reason why the Premier League is so popular and admired around the globe.
Wenger said: “We have done a lot for the way the Premier League is loved all over the world.
“The values we defend in the game are loved all over the world and the way we play makes the Premier League respected all over the world.
“What people do to and against us is down to the referees and the teams involved. But we try to play fair and we will continue to do that.”
As for their bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against the Portuguese champions, Wenger said: “Of course the game is massive. It could decide our future but the goal away from home could be vital and it eases the pressure a bit.”
Wenger hopes for a big game from Theo Walcott, insisting he is an improved player this season. The manager added: “There is a more committed side coming into his game.
“Sometimes people try to stop him at any cost but he is starting to cope well with that. But our whole team holds the key. If we defend well as a team we stand a chance against anybody.”