Wenger to leave Arsenal this summer
Arsene Wenger is leaving Arsenal after more than 21 years, ending a revolutionary reign that saw him introduce new methods to the English Premier League and become the club’s most successful manager.
While the 68-year-old Frenchman was able to announce his own departure plans yesterday, the tenure of one of English football’s longestserving managers will finish at the end of the season against a backdrop of mounting dissent as the London club’s competitiveness in the EPL 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 2004 ‘Invincibles’ season, in which Wenger won his third Premier League title, helped shield against the critics. But Wenger’s power appeared to drain over the last year as executives trying to shape the future direction of the team were brought in.
The new two-year contract that Wenger signed after winning the FA Cup for a record seventh time last May will now 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.”
PLAYERS’ SADNESS
Wenger gathered his players yesterday morning to tell them he was leaving.
“It’s been emotional, and there will be time to digest it, but it’s a sad feeling right now,” Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker said. “He’s the major figure for this club, more than 20 years. It’s been so impressive.”
Midfielder Jack Wilshere knows that better than most players after first entering the club academy 17 years ago.
“We didn’t see [his departure] coming because ... he had another year left on his contract,” the 26-year-old Wilshere said. “Ever since I’ve known about Arsenal, Arsene has been there.
“I’m sad. I’m a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t give him the season he wanted, but we’ve still got a chance to win something so he can leave on a high.”
Even though Arsenal is sixth in the Premier League, there can still be a successful conclusion to the season with the team in contention to win the Europa League.