‘Sad day for Arsenal’ as Arsene Wenger announces departure after nearly 22 years

Arsene Wenger will manage Arsenal for the last time this season and depart after near 22 years with the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger was appointed as Arsenal manager in 1996

Arsene Wenger will depart from Arsenal after near 22 years. (Source: AP File)

Arsene Wenger brought to an end a 22-year-old association with Arsenal when the club announced this will be his last season with the Gunners. With the departure, Wenger has departed a year before his contract was due to expire. The announcement has come at a time when Arsenal are sixth in the English Premier League and will miss out on a top-four finish. However, their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League now rest on the Europa League where Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the semifinals.

Wenger, 68, during his time at the London club won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including doing a Double in 1998 and 2002. He was appointed as the boss on October 1, 1996, and is the Premier League’s current longest-serving manager, having taken charge of a record 823 games.

In the statement, the Frenchman 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.”

Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies

— David Seaman MBE ~ SafeHands (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018

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Former players David Seaman and Robin Van Persie paid their tribute to the Frenchman. The former Arsenal goalkeeper wrote, “Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies” while the striker wrote, “Thanks Arsene for all your confidence in me over the years. You are a very special man & a top coach! Definitely one of the very best ever! 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”.

Thanks Arsene for all your confidence in me over the years. You are a very special man & a top coach! Definitely one of the very best ever! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6Ry174GCIS

— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018

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

Arsene Wenger is to leave @Arsenal at the end of the season. He has given much of his life to Arsenal. He has brought much success to the club. He has given much to the game of football in our country. Merci et bonne chance, Monsieur Wenger. #Wenger

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2018

Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday 😉

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018

49 – Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal went a record 49 consecutive top-flight league games unbeaten from May 2003 to October 2004, breaking Nottingham Forest's previous record of 42 set between November 1977 & November 1978 under Brian Clough. Legendary. pic.twitter.com/IATwyJCkcm

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 20, 2018

I hope the Arsenal fans now give Arsene the send off he deserves … That includes you @piersmorgan !!!

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson on BBC Radio 5 live: “He is the greatest manager in the history of Arsenal football club. He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies. Arsene is not only the greatest manager Arsenal’s history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country.”

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/987257706858901505

Wenger is a legend. End of. Also Aguero FINALLY being in team of the year makes me smile even as a united fan

— DANNY SIMPSON (@dannysimpson) April 20, 2018

But Wenger has faced the brunt of fans’ criticism in the recent few seasons for not spending enough money in the transfer windows even as their rivals broke bank to bring in big names. On Sunday, Arsenal suffered their 11th defeat of the season – equalling their worst tally in a campaig under Wenger. They stand 33 points behind leaders and champions Manchester City, who have 87 points, and are equidistant from West Brom at the bottom who have 21.