Premier League side Arsenal have unveiled the statue of legendary former manager Arsene Wenger outside the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger coached Arsenal to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his reign from 1996 to 2018.
The Frenchman was depicted lifting the Premier League trophy in the 3.5-metre statue outside the North Bank Stand of the stadium.
Arsene Wenger, 73, is set to be a guest of honor for Arsenal’s home friendly against Monaco, another of his former club, on Wednesday.
The former Arsenal manager, now works with FIFA, and is synonymous with Arsenal’s recent history that last season’s title battle and second-placed finish under Mikel Arteta is their best Premier League campaign without Wenger in charge.
Next season will be the Gunners’ first Champions League appearance without Wenger in charge since the 1991-92 European Cup.
Tim Lewis, Arsenal’s executive Chairman, said: “Arsene’s contribution to, and achievements with, the club mark him out as the club’s greatest manager.”
“He treated Arsenal and its supporters to many trophies and fantastic memories and brought a revolution in the running of the club, an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.”
“It is fitting, therefore, that as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium.”
Wenger joins other Arsenal legends with statues outside the ground – Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Herbert Chapman and Ken Friar.
Gunner’s current manager Arteta, who was signed as a player by Wenger in 2011, stated that: “It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsene that he fully deserves and merits.”
“With a statue now at the stadium, Arsene can have that recognition and be here at our club forever.”
“He chose me to be one of his players and selected me to be the captain of the club and that’s something I will never forget.”
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger OBE is a French former football manager and player who is currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
The Frenchman was born on 22 October, 1949 and most famously known for being the coach of Premier League side Arsenal.
Wenger was the manager of Arsenal from 1996 to 2018; he was the longest-serving and most successful coach in the club’s history.
His contribution to English football through changes to scouting, players’ training, and diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and aided the globalisation of the sport in the 21st century.
Wenger With Arsenal
Wenger won the Premier League 3 times, however, he was the only manager to win the league unbeaten – this he achieved with Arsenal in 2003/04 and the team was nicknamed “The Invincibles” after such massive feat.
Wenger made an immediate impact after joining the Premier League as one of the first foreign managers back in 1996.
He won the title with Arsenal in 1997/1998 as his first full season after applying his innovative football philosophy and dedication to playing exciting, attacking football.
Wenger led an intelligent transfer plan that resulted in the signing of fellow Hall of Fame members Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
This strategy included scouting for potential talents abroad and this worked for the Frenchman hugely over the period of time he was with Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger has managed 828 Premier League games with Arsenal, winning 476 and drawing 199.
He was also awarded Premier League manager of the Month three times, in 1998, 2002, and 2004 respectively.
