Ok, that’s it from us. The day long expected to come arrived unexpectedly and now Arsenal fans are given until the end of the season to make their peace with Wenger. And there is still a Europa League to be won.
One final Wenger fact: he has lost in the final of every European competition he has entered - Cup Winners’ Cup with Monaco in 1992, UEFA Cup with Arsenal in 2000 and the Champions League in 2006. Atlético Madrid lie in wait on Thursday.
Can Arsenal’s players do it for Arsène?
Updated
And Amy Lawrence looks back on 22 years at Arsenal.
Gunners fan Toby Moses looks forward to that big farewell party.
Updated
The fans have their say.
To close out, let’s go through our news and features on the big story.
Ok, to summarise further from Ivan Gazidis’ news conference
- Now that Arsène is going, the Arsenal family must pull together
- Details of discussions with Wenger that led to his decision will remain private
- There is no man lined up and ready to take the job on
- Wenger may find work at another club, no future Arsenal role yet planned
- Heavy use of the word “assimilated”
- A big farewell party is planned for the final home game, v Burnley on May 6
Gazidis suggesting Arsenal are yet to approach a successor. “Other clubs go out and conduct their managerial search in that way but for us, Arsène has made his decision and now that process begins.”
Gazidis on the next manager.
“Someone who plays exciting and progressive football. But I think there is also a significant thing at Arsenal in how the candidate represents the club. We need to make sure we don’t lose his qualities and his values.”
Gazidis has been talking further about the management structure that been built around Wenger in recent months and will manage the great change that is coming.
“We have a tremendous amount of experience at the football club. [Head of football relations] Raul Sannlehhi has seen several Barcelona coaching changes and [head of recruitment] Sven Mislintat has been at Borussia Dortmund for changes while on the board we have those who have been around for long enough to see even changes at Arsenal. That said, no one here has been through a coaching change like this.”
Key points from Gazidis’ news conference.
- A glowing tribute to Wenger, as an “inspirational man”
- No plans as yet for a role upstairs for Wenger. “Arsene will always have a place at the club”
- Nothing revealed on how the decision was reached. “Private conversations”
- Non-committal on whether Wenger gets to choose his successor in the fashion of Sir Alex Ferguson
- Big celebrations planned: “the Arsenal family should come together and share our gratitude
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Gazidis on breaking the news to players and staff at London Colney today. “I think from the reaction at the training ground today, what I felt was an incredible amount of passion to give Arsène the send off that he deserves. The decision had to come at some point. Now it’s time for us to look forward.”
Updated
More from Gazidis: “We’re not going to find a replacement for Arsène Wenger, for a variety of reasons. He came into the game 22 years ago when it was a very different time.”
Will Wenger retire? “He’s somebody who is in great shape and has a competitive edge but that’s a question for him.”
It’s “too early” to say if Wenger will have a role at the club, says Gazidis, who says the process of finding a new boss “starts from today” but he will not be drawn on whether Wenger will play a part in that process.
Gazidis will not be going into the whys and wherefores of Wenger stepping down but promises: The world will see the unity and power of this club. It’s my goal, my ambition that we build on his contribution.”
Gazidis: “This has been an emotional day for all involved at the club... his achievements are extraordinary....there’s an affection for him across the whole sphere of football. Arsène changed the game, he set a totally new standard, to make art out of football.”
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Club CEO Ivan Gazidis is speaking at a news conference at the Emirates.
Thierry Henry, perhaps Wenger’s greatest Arsenal player, spoke earlier to Sky Sports about his former mentor.
I’m happy now we can talk about that legacy. Yes, let’s not forget we need to win the Europa League, let’s not get lost in celebrating, it would be an amazing achievement and a great way to give him an exit. But I’m finally happy that now, the talk we can all have his about his legacy. It was a bit of a mixed one; it’s a sad day for me to see the big man leaving the club, and happy in the way that people are hopefully going to give him the exit he deserves.
As the Arsenal suits prepare to give their side of the story, Stan Kroenke’s brief statement from before seems pertinent. Some rather large quasi-promises being made and something of an admission that Wenger’s day was done.
This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport. One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsène has brought to the club on and off the pitch. We have high ambitions to build on Arsène’s remarkable tenure and to honour his vision by ensuring that Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game.
League Managers Association chairman, former Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday boss and schoolteacher Howard Wilkinson has dusted off his leather elbow pads to speak.
“Arsène Wenger is without question one of the most significant managers to have graced the game of professional football here in England. From his arrival at Arsenal, it was patently clear that here was someone with tremendous foresight, fortitude and imagination. A man of high principles, he was never prepared to compromise his beliefs and, in so doing, he enhanced the history and reputation of one of the world’s great clubs.”
As the speculation swirls, perhaps a good time to look back on these quotes from Thursday’s Wenger news conference on the subject of Patrick Vieira, currently manager of New York City FC.
“He’s a guy who has the potential one day, yes,” said Wenger. “I’ve followed his managerial career. I think he does very well. But he works in the moment in New York and he works for Man City. There are plenty of former players who played here who have potential and the intelligence and the knowledge to do it. So there’s plenty of choice, don’t worry for that.”
Mikel Arteta, currently Pep Guardiola’s right-hand man at Manchester City, is another former player and captain who has been linked.
Updated
The tributes are slowing up a little but the news agenda may be about to shift when Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal CEO, holds a news conference at 5pm. We don’t think that’s going to be an announcement of the new man, more clarification and next steps. And perhaps what future role, if any, Wenger has to play at Arsenal.
And if you want to sign up for The Fiver, here’s the link
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Here’s today’s Fiver which is about...well, it’s not about Richard Garlick leaving West Brom.
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Guardian readers have had their say on Wenger
The aforementioned Jupp Heynckes has had plenty to say about Wenger.
He has completed a magnificent career as a coach, in France and in England. He achieved lots of successes and his teams played attractive football predominantly. He was one of the top managers in European football. I think he could maybe acquire a job as a manager [director of football], but he could also return as a coach of another team in today’s football. I do not know if he wants to do this anymore, I cannot imagine this. Actually, he does not need this anymore. He had an amazing career. With his philosophy, his style of play and his leadership style he has influenced English football in a very positive way. But in politics and in sport - when you get older someday, this will be also the case for you - you have to say, ‘it was enough’.
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More Rafa on Wenger
When he came here to England, to do things in the way he did and win in the way he was winning was a massive achievement. His behaviour has always been quite good. He is an example for everyone, but especially a foreign manager like me. He was fighting and winning before me, and it was really difficult to do that. He did really well. I think it is the last time we will see this. There is so much money in football now that everyone wants things quickly and want to change things after a couple of bad results, we saw that ourselves when we had a bad run. The reality is that you have to be patient and have an idea and a plan. If you stick with the plan you have more chances to do well and that is what he did for 22 years.
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Here’s what Wenger had to say on the occasion of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement five years ago next month. Makes for interesting reading and perhaps suggests he might continue in the game. There’s a few European clubs could do with someone like him, and Wenger in the Bundesliga or back in France seems in no way outlandish. Jupp Heynckes is still at it, and he’s 72, four years older, though due to retire this summer.
He is luckier than me because he likes horses, he likes golf, so he can certainly have an interesting life again. But of course when you have been such a long time involved in every [game] … our job is always looking forward to the next game, so you are always motivated by that. At the start it is difficult to miss that.
Now, of course, not everybody has been a Wenger fan down the years and Stewart Robson has been, if not a lone voice in the wilderness, then someone who has never hid his views on Arsenal’s perennial manager. Robson spoke to the BBC earlier.
He was fantastic in that period but, like a lot of dictators, they think they are going down the right road - but even when people are saying you need to change, he wouldn’t change. Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in the last few years have been too one-dimensional and behind the times in recruitment and physiotherapy. It is the best thing that could happen to Arsenal that he is leaving now.
Wilshere gives sincere thanks
To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbeliveable faith and commitment towards me. Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us no… pic.twitter.com/wTmjTSYwNx
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 20, 2018
Rambo tweets
It’s been an honour to play for you and win trophies with https://t.co/GfP7SLO8Fq have been a big influence in my life on and off the field from a boy to a man.I am so happy to see everyone showing gratitude and respect today because you more than deserve it.Thank you Boss pic.twitter.com/QpL7M7ZL7X
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) April 20, 2018
Simon Smith emails in:
“I hope Kim Källström didn’t see that Wenger worst XI. In his autobiography he described scoring his FA Cup penalty as the best 15 minutes of his life – which considering he went to the World Cup with Sweden and won the French league a couple of times at Lyon is something of an achievement. Surely enough to keep him from the list?”
In mitigation, Simon, his inclusion was more to do with his being signed injured in an injury crisis and then playing only four matches. He was a good player, no doubt, but maybe not for Arsenal.
The news Wenger jumped before he was pushed finally answers the questions of when Arsenal’s execs would have the courage to close in on him. The net had been closing in with the recent appointments of Sven Mislintat as head of recruitment, Francis Cagigao, head of international recruitment, Raul Sanllehi, head of football relations. Wenger had stopped being omnipotent and that spelled the end was coming.
Pep Guardiola gave his news conference today.
“All my respect for what he has done. The Premier League is about huge personalities like Arsène Wenger, it is because of what he has done, his vision. I wish him all he best in the future, I hope he can be involved in world football in a different way with his experience - at Arsenal, UEFA, FIFA, I don’t know. It was a pleasure to compete against him here, at Barcelona, Bayern Munich.”
Sir Alex Ferguson, as would be expected, has spoken with Manchester United’s official website about the man with whom he shared the Premier League’s deepest rivalry. Fergie knows a thing or two about good send-offs.
I am really happy for Arsène Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal...I am pleased that he has announced he is leaving at this stage of the season, as he can now have the send-off that he truly deserves. He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man.
Kanu on Le Boss.
Big shoes for anyone to fill,playing for Arsenal under Arsene was one of the best period of my career, 2 premiership, 2 FA cups, The invincibles, playing with some of the best assembled players,influencing millions of fans in Africa to support this great club. pic.twitter.com/tILZo70jBE
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) April 20, 2018
David Moyes, who takes West Ham to the Emirates on Sunday, has his say.
He’s been a great competitor, a terrific manager who has graced the Premier League for many years. He’s a proper football man who lives and breathes it. To do 22 years is an incredible achievement.
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Sean Dyche has growled his thoughts on le grand départ.
He is a legend of the game - the work that he’s done will be remembered. Some things that now seem normal and simple weren’t at the time. Hydration in football sounds a simple thing but was not taken to a high level. Making sure the food they were eating was correct. Their health and well-being. For youngish managers like myself there are not enough good words you can use for what he’s done.
There was a fair discussion the other day of Benítez’s credentials to take over from Wenger. He wasn’t a popular choice for many Arsenal fans, but that doesn’t mean he’d do a bad job.
Rafa Benítez on his old adversary
I have been talking well about him for a while. To do things in the way that he has done and win the way he was winning, for so many years... we are talking about one of the best managers in football history.
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All the stories are coming out now.
My dad was walking his dog in a park in Barnet once, he threw a ball to him but it strayed off and went towards a jogger with his hood up, the two start playing as my dad makes his way over, the jogger takes off his hood and it’s Arsene Wenger. “It’s okay I like dogs”, he said.
— Sean Walsh (@SeanDZWalsh) April 20, 2018
Per Mertesacker has doubled down with a video tribute.
Boss, just recently I was saying how much you influenced my career. You taught me how to be the best leader & captain. It's an emotional day for us Gunners, you gave everything to the club & I’m so proud to be a part of your journey. My biggest thanks to you Arsène. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/fJQMCx05Y3
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) April 20, 2018
Holding back the years?
(September 22, 1996)
Arsenal announce Wenger's appointment
(October 12, 1996)
Win 2-0 against Blackburn in Wenger’s first match in charge
(May 3, 1998)
Defeat Everton 4-0 to win Premier League title
(May 16, 1998)
Beat Newcastle 2-0 to lift FA Cup and complete the double
(February 13, 1999)
Wenger offers to replay Sheffield United following controversial FA Cup win
(May 17, 2000)
Lost 4-1 on penalties to Galatasaray in Uefa Cup final
(May 8, 2002)
Win 1-0 at Old Trafford to win the league title
(April 25, 2004)
A 2-2 draw at rivals Spurs confirms third league title win
(May 15, 2004)
Beat Leicester 2-1 to complete The Invincibles’ unbeaten season
(May 7, 2006)
Final game at Highbury
(May 17, 2006)
Defeated 2-1 in Champions League final by Barcelona
(August 28, 2012)
Lose 8-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford
(March 22, 2014)
Marks 1,000th game in charge by losing 6-0 at Chelsea
(May 27, 2017)
Wins record-breaking seventh FA Cup with victory over Chelsea
(May 21, 2017)
Despite defeating Everton 3-1, they finish outside the top four for first time in Wenger era
(April 20, 2018)
Announces he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season
One of Opta’s main men with those longest-serving manager stats. Eddie Howe, once heavily linked with succeeding Wenger, with whom he has a good relationship, will become the Premier League’s longest serving manager.
Current longest managerial tenures in the PL/EFL:
— Matt Furniss (@Matt_Furniss) April 20, 2018
Wenger - Arsenal (21y 200d)
Tisdale - Exeter (10y 293d)
Bentley - Morecambe (6y 342d)
Ainsworth - Wycombe (5y 207d)
Ardley - AFC Wimbledon (5y 191d)
Howe - Bournemouth (5y 190d)
Dyche - Burnley (5y 171d)
Hill - Rochdale (5y 87d)
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John is refreshed after being allowed to see the sun out of the window and eating his sandwich, so he will be back on duty for the foreseeable.
The Manchester United manager was also asked about whether he had any regrets over his relationship with Wenger down the years but he was relatively calm on the matter.
“It is not about regret. I think your question is a type of question from somebody that was not in this site. You were not a manager or a player. You don’t know the way we respect each other, even when sometimes it looks like in some moments we don’t. Players that get yellow or red cards by aggression against each other or have bad words against each other in the end are probably the ones that respect more each other. It is power against power, quality against quality, ambition against ambition. In the end it is people from the same business. People that respect each other’s career. It is not about regret. What happened for me is the way I respect he person, the professional, the career. For some the memories are short. But real football people, the ones inside the four lines playing or the managers or the referees, we are the real football people. They don’t ave short memories.”
Mourinho also certainly knows that Wenger will have a lasting legacy in the Premier League, something he will be eyeing himself.
“Three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and what he did in Japan, in France, what he did for French football, what he gave to Arsenal even in period without Premier Leagues, the transition from stadium to stadium, we know what he did. If he is happy, I am really happy and I hope he doesn’t retire.”
Mourinho did not use his pre-match press conference to stir things up over Wenger’s exit. He was very diplomatic with his comments, a surprise considering the number of run-ins he had with the Arsenal boss.
“If he is happy I am happy. If he is sad I am sad. I always wish the best for my opponents,” Mourinho said. “I always wish the best. For me that is the point. If he is happy with the decision he made, if he looks forward to the next chapter of his career and life, I am really happy for him. If he is sad I am sad. I am pretty sure that we as a club, especially because Mr Wenger and Arsenal were for many years the biggest rivals of the Sir Alex era, we will show Mr Wenger the respect he deserves.”
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Our man David Hytner writes that Wenger decided to leave rather than risk being sacked.
Fears over the team’s success and season ticket renewals saw some unrest in the boardroom, resulting in a few pondering ordering Wenger’s P45.
It would have been a sad end for him to be dismissed, so it was sensible for him to exit.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has had his say on Wenger’s decision to leave, although he does not seem too worried about having another manager on the market, like the Italian is likely to be in the summer.
“My reaction... I think we must pay a great tribute to Arsene Wenger for his career. For his career at Arsenal. He and Ferguson, we’re talking about the last two managers to stay for such a long time in a club. Arsene Wenger worked 22 years for Arsenal. I think that’s great, it’s a fantastic story. He won a lot at this club and, for this reason, I think he deserves a great tribute for his career.
“I think Arsene is one of the managers who had a great influence on football because, in every moment in his idea of football, he tried to play good football, creative and offensive football. He deserves great tribute also for this.
“He deserves great respect. Not only from Arsenal supporters, but from the whole world of football. He deserves great respect. We are talking about one of the best managers in the world with a great and important career with Arsenal. He deserves a great tribute for his career. It would be very difficult to see in the future another manager staying for such a long time at the same club. I think, maybe, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were a really good story for football. Now it will be very difficult to see that again, another situation like this.”
Former Arsenal defender Alex Scott says Wenger’s departure is a “sad day for the Premier League”.
Just seen the news about Arsene stepping down at the end of the season...
— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) April 20, 2018
I have been fortunate to be at Arsenal for over 22 years and what he has done for our club has been unbelievable. He’s an absolute gentleman as a person.
It's a sad day for Premier League football. pic.twitter.com/PfNGobcpze
Sky Sports News have got the big exclusive with Arsenal TV’s Claude. Sadly, things have not gone to plan. Claude offered up some top insight: “I don’t want to go into the manager too much.” I think you’re missing the point of your appearance here, Claude.
It is testament to Wenger that players who have graced the Arsenal books from those who have played one game to those who stayed for a decade. Graham Stack was the second choice goalkeeper during The Invincibles campaign an he has spoken very highly of his former manager. Might have thought more of him if he was ever give a Premier League appearance.
I have the upmost respect for Arsene Wenger, he changed not only @Arsenal but all of British football, he transformed & changed the culture & mindset of players on and off the pitch. A dedicated, workaholic who strived for perfection! A pleasure to have played for! #1ArseneWenger
— Graham Stack (@GrahamStack1) April 20, 2018
What a day it has been, from an earlier rumour of a statement about something or other from Arsenal to Wenger order a removal firm to empty his office of its content.
There’s been no shortage of tributes and a few gleeful celebrations about the Frenchman’s departure but the long and short of it is that Wenger did alter football in England, even if he has not maintained the momentum in recent years.
Will Unwin will take over the reins from me for a while.
Cesc Fàbregas, on the bench for the best XI, has paid Instagram tribute.
He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. classact”.
Time also, then, to consider a worst Wenger XI. This one is weighted more heavily to the later years. Let’s go 4-3-3 here, to mirror the late-period Wenger era. Some of these were and are decent players but it didn’t go well for them at Arsenal.
Richard Wright; Mathieu Debuchy, Igor Stepanovs, Sébastien Squillaci, André Santos; Granit Xhaka, Kim Källström, Francis Coquelin; Gervinho, Park Chu-young, Francis Jeffers.
Email or tweet with your thoughts on both those teams if you’d like.
Club captain Per Mertesacker has been speaking to Arsenal’s official website.
We have just been informed basically. It is quite emotional. Obviously he has been at the club for such a long time, he has been so supportive to me. One major reason why I’m here is because of him. It’s been emotional and there will be time to digest it but it is a sad feeling right now...He gave us the opportunity to explore ourselves in order to be successful, and he’s always managed to get the team around himself to be successful. The memories of winning titles with him and bringing joy to so many people - something he has done for years - is a heck of an achievement.
Arsenal fan Toby Moses on the long goodbye for Wenger.
RVP weighs in
I will always see you as my footballing father where under your guidance I had the chance to grow as a man and a player, i'm forever thankful for that and wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life! #ThanksArsene #TheBoss 2/2 pic.twitter.com/ekhFNfExvN
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018
So, Patrick Vieira is the early bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Wenger. He’s top of the MLS Eastern Conference with New York City FC and his appointment would be something of a punt to find the same success Barcelona once found with Pep Guardiola. It would be the type of move Manchester United rowed back from with Ryan Giggs. Brendan Rodgers is also high in the betting. Such an idea was floated a few months back to real dissent from Arsenal fans, but as Jamie Carragher has said, Celtic’s manager might well be the best British boss of the moment. A random name to throw in? How about Shakhtar Donetsk’s Paulo Fonseca? Highly regarded and linked with Everton at the moment but the Wenger news has changed everything.
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Want to pen your own tribute?
Time to think of a best ever Wenger XI?
Here’s my potted selection. Needless to say, it combines the late-1990s early days in combination with the 2003-4 Invincibles. It’s a 4-4-2 in the spirit of that age with a subs bench of seven. Sadly, no place for Granit Xhaka.
David Seaman; Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole; Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Marc Overmars; Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry.
Subs: Jens Lehman, Lauren, Kolo Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Petit, Freddie Ljungberg, Robin van Persie
Professional Footballers’ Association chief Gordon Taylor
“You have been a formidable manager and we have been privileged to have you in our country. Innovative, dedicated, successful, you leave a magnificent legacy to both Arsenal and football as a whole.”
Makes you think...
Not yet born when Wenger arrived at Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus, Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé
— Niall McVeigh (@niallmcveigh) April 20, 2018
Paul Merson has a lasting tribute in mind.
They should drop the Emirates bit - they don’t need the money - and name it the Arsène Wenger Stadium. That’s his stadium. He built that. He made that stadium. Even if they called it the Emirates Arsène Wenger Stadium. He deserves to be on that.
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The merry-go-round has started
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has admitted he would let manager Brendan Rodgers speak to Arsenal. Desmond told Sky Sports News: “Absolutely. I don’t think you can put handcuffs on anybody if they want to go to a club as good as Arsenal. It will be Brendan’s decision and Brendan’s decision only.”
Updated
Arsenal’s constituency MP has paid glowing tribute
Arsène Wenger, thank you for all the achievements, over such a long period, for the club I love.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 20, 2018
Three Premier League titles, the unbeaten season, a record breaking seven FA Cups and revolutionising the English game. https://t.co/2jWgUsY9Nf
Southampton manager Mark Hughes on the big news
When you have had longevity in the game like Arsène has, and I have been in the Premier League for a long time, our paths have crossed on numerous occasions, we had a few run-ins but other times we were very civil and respectful of each other’s efforts. I had a good conversation with him two weeks ago, he looked very relaxed and chilled. He came with different ideas, different views on how the game should be played, he moved the goalposts for everyone else, he came in and had success and everyone else had to catch up.
Before Arsenal, Wenger was a much decorated and successful manager of Monaco, and known for his production of players. George Weah was perhaps the best from those days in the Principality.
Friendly reminder. Next bulletin imminent.
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The deserved tributes flow in, and Wenger’s longevity is something due for high praise if nothing else - the next longest serving manager is Exeter’s Paul Tisdale, who started his job in 2006. But he will leave a club behind him, and one that requires a new manager. A whole world of speculation awaits, but here are Betfair’s contenders. Vieira is an interesting favourite, though worth noting that the early favourite rarely comes in on these. Those odd suggests nobody really knows.
- 10/3 - Patrick Vieira
- 6/1 - Carlo Ancelotti
- 15/1 - Leonardo Jardim
- 8/1 -Mikel Arteta
- 8/1- Joachim Low
- 8/1 - Massimiliano Allegri
- 10/1 - Brendan Rodgers
- 10/1 - Rafael Benitez
- 10/1- Thomas Tuchel
- 10/1 - Thierry Henry
- 10/1 - Lucien Favre
- 11/1 - Dennis Bergkamp
- 14/1 - Diego Simeone
- 16/1- Sean Dyche
- 16/1- Luis Enrique
- 20/1- Eddie Howe
- 20/1- Zinedine Zidane
Tony Adams, Wenger’s first Arsenal captain, has paid tribute on Instagram.
“Thanks for everything Arsene. Move over Herbert, Arsene Wenger the greatest Arsenal Manager. #arsenaltohedies”
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock on Wenger:
“He’s the man who changed the whole face of the game. We owe him so much, yet have given him so much stick. In a way I’m glad he’s going, I wouldn’t want to see him get any more vitriol than he’s had.”
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Amy Lawrence, there from the very start of the Wenger years, looks back on his reign.
How’s your luck, Moyesey?
21 - Arsene Wenger has defeated David Moyes on 21 occasions as Arsenal boss; more often than against any other manager. Favourite. pic.twitter.com/8Z1dr7rbWY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 20, 2018
He is Sol Campbell.
Wow! pic.twitter.com/4yED6f4N8m
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 20, 2018
Premier League (3): 1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04.
FA Cup (7): 1997-98, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17.
Community Shield (6): 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2014-15, 2015-16.
Premier League Manager of the Season (3): 1997-98, 2001-02, 200-/04.
League Managers' Association Manager of the Year (2): 2001-02, 2003-04.
BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (2): 2002, 2004.
Premier League Manager of the Month (15)
Here’s the Wenger roll of honour
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Also from 2016, here’s a look back through the Wenger years.
Amy Lawrence penned this tribute to Wenger in 2016, on his reaching 20 years in charge.
Here’s a tribute to Wenger from Arsenal Fan TV.
A proud day for the following clubs.
124 - Arsene Wenger has faced 124 different opponents as manager of Arsenal, but has only failed to beat 5 of those teams:
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 20, 2018
Fiorentina (P2 W0 D1 L1)
PAOK Salonika (P2 W0 D1 L1)
Paris Saint-Germain (P2 W0 D2 L0)
Port Vale (P2 W0 D2 L0)
Rotherham United (P1 W0 D1 L0)
Collection pic.twitter.com/iveoABXyzL
Here’s what Wenger had to say on his future on Thursday in his pre-West Ham press conference. Some clues in there, but nothing conclusive.
As I told you, my main worry is Arsenal Football Club and I think if you have to give me some credit, if you look back at my career, you would have to accept that my priority was always the interest of Arsenal Football Club.
Look, my personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment. My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into success and that’s what matters to me. As I said the other night, my future is in front of me every time I make a half turn. That’s not my biggest priority.
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Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp begins the tributes from fellow managers.
First of all, I was surprised but we have to respect his decision.
He was, and still is an influencer in football. He has had an outstanding career, an outstanding personality, a big player in the business.
How long? 22 years! That’s long. Very successful.
He always developed teams. I always admired his work.
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There seems little doubt that Arsenal fans will give Wenger that rousing send-off. Their final home game is on May 6 against Burnley. That comes three days after the Europa League semi-final second leg with Atlético Madrid. It may well be that Wenger gets to say farewell in Lyon, where that competition’s final is being held. Whichever, Wenger has seven games left as a victory lap.
David Seaman, Wenger’s first and best Arsenal goalkeeper, speaks.
Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018
Time to look back to the very start. Here’s Paul Campbell.
Wenger’s retirement is good news for Channel 5, set to air a documentary on the Wenger v Ferguson years on Monday. Rob Smyth has seen a preview of the show.
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Gary Neville, a veteran of those titanic battles between Arsenal and Manchester United, speaks.
Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 20, 2018
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It looks like Ian Wright was among those shocked.
😱
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) April 20, 2018
It’s for the rumours that are going around 😟
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) April 20, 2018
This is the day we knew had to come and yet everybody was caught on the hop.
It’s a fair bet that Sunday’s home game at the Emirates at West Ham will not be as blighted by empty seats as in previous weeks. Arsenal fans, many of whom have stayed away, still owe a great debt to Wenger, and starting with the Emirates itself. Time to let the memories of the good times roll?
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So, then …
Arsenal have confirmed Arsène Wenger will leave the Gunners at the end of the season after 22 years managing the Premier League club.
In a statement, Wenger said: “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.
“I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special. I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. My love and support for ever.”
We’ll be updating you with the latest news and reaction through the day. So feel free to email, tweet, or post BTL.
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