Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at end of season
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Stoke City
Stoke manager Paul Lambert: “I think he’s been an incredible manager. I think the criticism he’s withstood has been incredibly harsh.
"He’s built a lot of sides, he’s made a lot of careers. For the Premier League I think he’s been fabulous.”
Arsene Wenger, the man who changed English football, steadfastly refused to change. Phil McNulty examines where that leaves his legacy.
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Arsenal
As well as numerous manager of the month honours, Wenger won the Premier League manager of the season title three times in 1998, 2002 and 2004.
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal
Image source, TwitterGolfer Andrew 'Beef' Johnston is a massive Arsenal fan.
Arsenal
Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore: “It is hard to encapsulate the enormity of Arsene Wenger’s contribution to Arsenal Football Club, the Premier League and football generally over these past 22 seasons.
“All of Arsene’s teams have been a joy to watch and his 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ will go down as one of the best in English football history.
“His innovative coaching and player development methods transformed the English game just when it was needed most.
“Arsene’s view on all aspects of the sport are always worth listening to, his generosity of time and consideration for others generating huge respect throughout the game.
"Whatever the future holds for him, he deserves nothing less than our total gratitude and best wishes for his own personal happiness.”
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Wenger in the scheme of things for many years always had a tight budget for transfers, whilst often being forced to sell his top players. If the directors continue with this I'd like to see if the incoming manager or managers' do any better!
Irfan
As a Arsenal fan I wasn't happy about Wenger's performance with us but I feel it was best he left at the end of the season and he should feel proud of making Arsenal a great club over the last 21-22 years. We forgive you Wenger and we love you too.
Archie
Let's hope that the team can raise their game and send Arsene out on a high with a Europa Cup. Winning four trophies in the last five years!
Colin
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Arsenal
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Arsenal
It's also been seven Community Shields for the Gunners over Wenger's time - 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2015 and finally 2017.
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea v Southampton (Sunday, 15:00 BST)
Chelsea
More tributes for Arsene Wenger, this time from Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
"I think we must pay tribute to Arsene Wenger for his career," the Italian said.
"He and [Sir Alex] Ferguson, we are talking about the last two managers to stay for such long time at a club. Twenty-two years for Arsenal, it is great. It is fantastic and a fantastic story. He won a lot with the club and for that reason he deserves a great tribute.
"As a manager he had a great influence on football. He tried to play good football, play creative football and offensive football. He deserves a great tribute.
"He deserves great respect. Not only Arsenal support but the whole world of football. We are talking about one of the best managers in the world."
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Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has been speaking about Arsene Wenger in his news conference before Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham on Saturday.
United play Arsenal on Sunday, 29 April in the Premier League.
"I am really happy for him," Mourinho said. "I am pretty sure that we as a club, and especially because Mr Wenger and Arsenal were for many years the biggest rivals of Sir Alex's era, will show Mr Wenger the respect he deserves."
Mourinho has had a number run-ins with Wenger and famously labelled the Frenchman as a "specialist in failure."
"It is not about regret. It happened," Mourinho said on the issues.
"What matters for me is the way I respect the person, the professional and the career.
"I always say for some the memory is short but the real football people don't have short memories. If he is happy with the decision I am really happy and I hope he doesn't retire form football."
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Goodbye and thank you for all the memories Monsieur Wenger. You truly revolutionised our game and it will only be really appreciated once you've gone. A class act in every sense especially in the dark times which could/would have finished lesser managers. You leave me with wonderful memories especially during the Invincibles period when our football was a level above anyone else at that time. Hopefully you'll get the send off you deserve.
Pedders
Wenger has managed Arsenal for longer than I've been alive and I owe him immensely for getting me to fall in love with beautiful football. No matter your point of view, I think everyone should thank him for what he has done for Premier League football, we shall never see his like again. Thank you Arsene!!!
Fred, Devon
Never ceases to amaze me. The same people lauding your retirement made your job hell. Wenger has let arsenal slide too far!
JY, Surrey
Arsenal
Image source, TwitterHector Bellerin joined Arsenal in the summer of 2011.
Arsenal
The FA Cup made its way to Highbury, and later the Emirates, seven times during Wenger's reign - 1998, 2002, '03 and '05 and then a long gap before three more wins in 2014, '15 and '17.
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Thierry Henry
Former Arsenal striker
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a sad day for me to see the big man leaving the club, and happy one in a way that people give him the exit he deserves.
"Recently it has been hard for him and the club. Starting from Sunday, against West Ham, I hope people go to the game and not only see him in one of his last games at the Emirates and to support the team, but also to give him a good exit
"I did not expect it, he will have his reasons, it is a weird one for me."
Thierry Henry
Former Arsenal striker
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, speaking to Sky Sports: "His legacy is untouchable. Managers, fans from other teams - (they talk about) how Arsene changed Arsenal.
"I am happy that now we can all talk about his legacy.
"Let's not forget we still have to win the Europa league. It would be an amazing achievement."
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What on earth will Arsenal fans have to talk about in the pub now that he's going?
Tom Laming
If next season doesn't start well, how long before we start seeing 'Wenger In' signs?
Big Tone, Newcastle.
Thank you, Arsene. I can't wait for the book, there must be so many tales to tell...
Mark, London
Liverpool
'Arsene Wenger has had a fantastic career' - Klopp
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger won three Premier League titles during his time at Arsenal - the first in 1997-98 and followed that up in 2001-02 and 2003-04, the Invincibles season.
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