Wenger’s reign over at end of Arsenal season

Arsene Wenger is leaving Arsenal after more than 21 years, ending a revolutionary reign that saw him introduce new methods to the Premier League and become the club’s most successful manager.

While the 68-year-old Frenchman was able to announce his own departure plans on Friday, the tenure of English soccer’s longest-serving manager will finish at the end of the season against a backdrop of mounting dissent as the London club’s competitiveness in the Premier League has waned.

Arsenal has failed to win the Premier League since 2004, but that feat represented the high point of Wenger’s career as he became only the second manager to go through an English league season unbeaten.

The “Invincibles” season, his third Premier League title, helped shield Wenger against the critics. But Wenger’s power appeared to drain over the last year as executives trying to shape the direction of the team were brought in.

The new two-year contract Wenger signed after winning the FA Cup for a record seventh time last May will not be completed.

“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,” Wenger said. “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 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 forever.”

Even though Arsenal is sixth in the Premier League, there can still be a successful conclusion to the season with the team in contention for the Europa League.

Arsenal became accustomed to qualifying for the Champions League before missing out for the first time in two decades after finishing fifth last season.