Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at end of the season after over 21 years in charge

Summary

Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at end of season
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Neil Johnston

Pick Wenger's greatest Gunners XIpublished at 15:57 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Tony Adams? Robert Pires? Thierry Henry?
There has been a wealth of talent at Arsene Wenger's disposal during his 22 years in charge of Arsenal.
The Frenchman will step aside as Gunners boss at the end of the season, but if he were to pick his best XI from all the players he has managed during that time, who would he choose?
Use our team selector to pick what you think is Wenger's greatest Arsenal XI, then share it with your friends.
Click here to pick your team.
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Mind the gappublished at 15:51 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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'One of the three greatest men I have met'published at 15:48 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
In case you missed it earlier, there was a very moving tribute from Arsenal goalkeeping legend Bob Wilson who broke down in tears as he told BBC Radio 5 live how the Frenchman had helped his family.
Wilson, whose 31-year-old daughter Anna died of a rare form of cancer in 1998, said: "I was there on the day he arrived and he is without doubt one of the three greatest men I have ever met in my life.
"It is not just his football knowledge and the way he changed the game in this country but as a human being through difficult times for me and my wife.
"Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country.
"We had a team who enjoyed a drink and he changed everything about psychology, rehydration, training and everyone followed suit."
Image source, Rex Features
'Big shoes to fill'published at 15:42 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Arsenal
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'Wenger will be relieved'published at 15:37 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Crucible
Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has been at the snooker media day at the Crucible, ahead of the World Championship which starts on Saturday.
The 42-year-old was asked about Arsene Wenger's departure from Arsenal.
"There is so much other in life and until you do it, you don't know if the other side of the fence is greener," he said.
"Wenger will be quite relieved to get away because he has not won anything recently. The Arsenal supporters want change. He will probably stay at the club somewhere,having an influence on the academy, but he will enjoy it a lot more than he thinks.
"It is quite hard to walk away from something. He can be semi-retired, a part-time advisor and that is how I deal with snooker. I prefer the stuff I do away from the sport, it is not something I have done before and it is exciting."
Image source, Rex Features
'Legend, genius'published at 15:31 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Ivan Walpole: Sad to see a wonderful legend like Wenger go. The guy is a genius. He won the FA Cup yet again last year! How many times did he win it? Was it seven? Incredible manager and he will be sorely missed. Have a great retirement Arsene.
Bob McFeil: Arsene Wenger has been manager of Arsenal my whole life and really deserves a huge amount of respect for a highly successful career. Even the critics and the Spurs supporters will be sad to say goodbye to such a great manager.
Image source, Rex Features
824 not outpublished at 15:23 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Arsenal's home game against West Ham on Sunday (13:30 BST) will be Arsene Wenger's 824th Premier League match in charge of the Gunners.
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Rodgers for Arsenal?published at 15:18 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Celtic major shareholder Dermot Desmond says the club would not stand in manager Brendan Rodgers' way in the event of an approach from Arsenal.
Rodgers is one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Arsene Wenger after the Gunners boss announced he would step down at the season's end.
"I'm glad he's the favourite," Desmond told Sky Sports. "He's an outstanding person. We wouldn't want him to leave but we won't force him to stay."
Read more here.
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'New era'published at 15:09 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Sav: The Premier League is changing, Arsene going, Fergie gone, Redknapp gone, Mourinho playing outdated football. Naughties Prem is gone and a new Prem is here.
Image source, PA
'One of the best in history'published at 15:04 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Newcastle United
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez: "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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'Thank you boss'published at 14:58 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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'Wenger's Invincibles is why I love football'published at 14:54 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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Michael Wells: Twenty-year-old life time Arsenal fan. Was time for Wenger to go but can't help but feel heartbroken. We will always remember you Arsene - you're a legend and Arsenal won't be the same without you. Hope to see him succeed somewhere else in the future.
Mat VP: Like most Arsenal fans I wanted him to leave (without being a Wenger out brigade member) but today I am feeling mixed emotions. It had to happen but not sure it has sunk in. I will forever be grateful for the good times he brought. Forget the last few years.
Mark: I don’t know anything other than Wenger. The Invincibles team is why I love football at all. It was time to go, but he deserves to leave a hero, he deserves a statue. At a time when Arsenal could have faded into mediocrity he brought us to the top table. A legend.
Image source, Rex Features
'A proper football man who lives and breathes it'published at 14:49 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
West Ham United
West Ham manager David Moyes, ahead of Sunday's meeting with Arsenal: "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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Get Involvedpublished at 14:46 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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I have just cancelled lunch with my mum to now be at the game on Sunday because I know it will be a great atmosphere and the fans will be united in their respect and gratitude for Wenger.
Angus
Thank you Arsene for making Arsenal. Great shame on the so called fans for wanting him out. Hope you are proud and the next manager is half as good.
John B Chatham
So so sad that Mr. Wenger is leaving. I have always supported him and the Club will be the worse for his departure. The very best for the future, with best love.
Lyn S
'These people are necessary in football'published at 14:41 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, whose side are celebrating the Premier League title has had his say on Arsene Wenger.
"He is a huge personality. The Premier League is the Premier League thanks to what he has done," says Guardiola. "These people are necessary in football
"It was a pleasure to compete against him
"I wish him all the best in the future. Hopefully he can be involved in the game in a different way."
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Get Involvedpublished at 14:37 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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Jawad Kayani: A true knight who has transformed the English football, will remain in our hearts for forever. I was supporting Arsenal due to the Arsene Wenger. How I will watch Arsenal matches without you?. A big salute to Sir Arsene Wenger.
Javel Bleach: Saw this coming and the season is as good as over for Arsenal - unless they win the Europa League! I think he's putting all his eggs in that basket. It would be the best possible send-off, for sure, & it wasn't going to get any better.
Owen Collins: An outside bet for Wenger's replacement? Antonio Conte. Already lives in London, has title-winning experience, and almost certainly won't be at Stamford Bridge come August.
'Without doubt, one the greatest Premier League managers'published at 14:34 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal. It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.
"In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of 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 the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."
Caption competitionpublished at 14:31 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
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Arsenal
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Thank you for your suggestions. Here are some of the best so far
- There's people on the pitch.... they thinks it's all over.... it is now. (Martin Lee)
- When I said 'play with your heads' I didn't mean play with MY head (Dave, Ealing)
- I knew stealing this would causing bad to happen...
- We need a new Head
- At least you might finishing a head of Burnley
'There are not enough good words you can use for what he's done'published at 14:24 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Burnley
Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who will be the second-longest serving current manager in the Premier League once Wenger stands down: "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."
Wenger's transfer dealingspublished at 14:22 British Summer Time 20 April 2018
Arsenal
Wenger has spent over £700m on players during his time at the club. So, who are his most expensive signings?
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cost £56m when he signed from Borussia Dortmund in January.
That beat the £46.5m they paid Lyon for Alexandre Lacazette in July 2017.
Image source, Getty Images