Summary

  • Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at end of season

  • Hit the speaker icon to listen to the Friday Football Social

  • #bbcfootball or text 81111

Live Reporting

Neil Johnston

  1. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball or 81111 on text

    I think the moment he saw empty seats he knew had to step down. The 12 years of downfall overshadowed the first 10 years of success. Regardless, a legend of the game who changed the face of football.

    Haris, Walsall

    I don't the big question is who will replace Wenger, rather where will Wenger go next? It wouldn't surprise me to see him follow Sanchez to United and replace Mourinho. He'd have Fergie's support.

    Marc, Northampton

    I have to admit I’ve been a vocal supporter of the recent Wenger Out movement but reading the news this morning has inflicted a sense of sadness I can’t seem to shake. After all, as a 22 year old I’ve never experience a managerial change.

    Kevin, Lincoln

  2. 'Let's cherish the memories'

    TwitterTwitter

    Invincible Lauren has taken to Twitter.

  3. End of FA Cup run

    2018

    Arsenal

    Arsene Wenger was condemned to his first FA Cup third-round exit as managerless Championship side Nottingham Forest stunned holders Arsenal at the City Ground in January.

    Arsene WengerGetty Images

  4. Wenger's successor takes over 'biggest club in London'

    John Hartson
    Former Arsenal striker

    "It’s a special job, a special club, the infrastructure, the training ground is out of this world, as good as anything in Europe.

    "In terms of the next manager to step in, Arsenal don’t change their managers around willy-nilly, they don’t get two or three years.

    "Arsene Wenger [had] 22 years, before him there was George Graham, a long, long time in the job.

    "Arsenal will take their time, they have until the end of the season and the summer. They will want to get someone in of course to take care of pre-season and their tour before the season kicks-off.

    "It’s a brilliant club, for me it’s the biggest club in London."

  5. 'He was like a father figure to me'

    Cesc Fabregas pays tribute to Arsene Wenger on InstagramInstagram

    Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has paid a fitting tribute to Arsene Wenger.

  6. 'Civil and respectful'

    Southampton

    Finally, Mark Hughes is asked about his relationship with Arsene Wenger.

    "I've had more time in the Premier League than most so our paths crossed on numerous occasions. It was all sunshine and light - we had a couple of run-ins but other times we were civil and respectful of each other's efforts.

    "We had a good conversation a couple of weeks ago when we played at the Emirates. He seemed very relaxed and chilled and maybe he understood that the announcement would be made but he looked in good form and seemed happy with his own personal circumstances that day.

    "Maybe that was because he knew what is coming. I wish him well."

    Arsene Wenger and Mark HughesGetty Images

  7. March 2017

    Arsenal

    BannerGetty Images

    In one of the most bizarre scenes, conflicting banners were flown over The Hawthorns.

    BannerGetty Images

  8. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball or 81111 on text

    I'm shook! As a life long Gunner I don't get to see as many Arsenal games as I'd like to as I cycle a lot but whenever I have watched the lads play I've enjoyed it and that is down to Wenger 100%.

    Tom, Surrey

    I feel he was a true legend of the game, especially over the last few years with all the disruption he could still be taking Arsenal to a European cup final soon, great manager and will be missed, never wanted him to be forced out.

    Tom

    Legend. Arsenal fans should all take a good look and thank their lucky stars for the day he walked into their club. A legend and a gentleman. THANK YOU Mr Wenger and good luck with all you do.

    Phil the Owl

  9. West Brom v Liverpool (Saturday 12:30 BST)

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had his say about Arsene Wenger's retirement but has also spoken more broadly about the demands being placed on a modern day manager.

    He said: "It is different to 20 years ago, 100%. There is no time for anything any more. Everyone wants results immediately.

    "We are constantly in focus. Do I need the fact that I am famous, that everybody knows me wherever I go? No.

    "I would be really happy when that stops one day and nobody remembers me. I don't need football to be happy.

    "But I love what I do and I am happy."

  10. 'A massive wrench for him to leave'

    Southampton

    More from Mark Hughes on Arsene Wenger: "He has a huge connection to the club and a huge emotional tie to what he has done there.

    "I would imagine it will be a massive wrench for him to leave the role but I'm sure Arsenal have things in place to ensure he is still part of the fabric

    "I don't think he will be going too far."

  11. 'A sad day for Premier League football'

    TwitterTwitter

    Former Arsenal and England defender Alex Scott has taken to Twitter.

  12. Paris pain

    2006

    Arsenal

    Arsenal reached the Champions League final in 2006 but lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

    2006 finalGetty Images

  13. 'Thank you Arsene'

    Arsenal

    Paris St-Germain manager Unai Emery is a long-time fan of Arsene Wenger - and is someone who is among the many being linked with the role at the Emirates.

    But his first thought was for the Frenchman on the news of his departure from Arsenal.

    Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger on TwitterTwitter

  14. 'He moved the goalposts'

    Southampton

    Southampton manager Mark Hughes has echoed the thoughts of many by saying Arsene Wenger changed the face of the British game.

    "He came with different ideas and views on how the game should be played and moved the goalposts for everyone else," he says.

    "He has been a huge influence on the game in this country and deserves his place in history.

    "At the outset he was ahead of everyone and we have had to catch up."

    Arsene Wenger and Mark HughesGetty Images

  15. Farewell to Highbury

    May 2006

    Arsenal

    Arsenal said goodbye to Highbury after 93 years at their spiritual home. And they did so in spectacular fashion as Arsenal secured the fourth and final Champions League place with a dramatic 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic, stealing it from under the noses of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

    HighburyGetty Images

  16. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball or 81111 on text

    Ekemini Umoinwek: I'm so happy for Wenger that he has finally decided to leave. Although the decision came a few years too late, the amount of vitriol and hate he was getting was unbelievable for a man who completely revolutionized English football.

    Kris Jefferson: I hope Arsenal fans don’t expect instant success now. Just look at what’s happened to United since Fergie left....

    James Hollanders: Honestly can say I’m feeling every kind of emotion right now. Apart from one season, all I have known is Wenger. It was time to go but these last few games are going to be incredibly hard! Thank you Arsene.

  17. 'An incredible day'

    Arsenal

    Robbie Lyle from Arsenal fan TV, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "It is an incredible day. I woke up and thought it was going to be a regular day, it has been incredible. We speak to fans and everyone knows this season the fans had really turned against Arsene Wenger, even fans who in the past have been really behind Wenger have said it is time for him to go.

    "Even so it has been a real surprise. He did a press conference yesterday and there was no hint. It is the end of an era. There are lots of fans who have grown up and all they have known is Arsene Wenger. It is a new chapter and is exciting in a way. I also think it is a major moment for the board and owners of Arsenal. We remember what happened with Man United, Arsenal have to get this right."

  18. 'The greatest Arsenal manager'

    Tony AdamsInstagram

    Former Arsenal captain and defender Tony Adams hails Arsene Wenger on Instagram.

  19. 'I'm in shock'

    Arsenal

    You can hear the full, emotional interview from former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    Bob Wilson reacts to the news Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

  20. Invincibles

    2004

    Arsenal

    Arsenal made history in 2003-04 as they went unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign on the way to sealing a third Premier League crown.

    Wenger's side were dubbed ‘the invincibles’ and amassed an impressive 90 points after 38 matches.

    Arsene WengerGetty Images