Arsenal Football Club announced today that after 22 seasons in charge, manager Arsene Wenger will finally step down. Today, the #WengerOut crowd got exactly what they want, as the Frenchman will resign at the end of the season.
Wenger released the following statement:
“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.”
Club owner Stan Kroenke added:
“This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport. One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.”
The club will immediately begin the search for their Arsene Wenger successor, as they look to rebuild a club that has fallen into shambles the past couple seasons. The Gunners are currently in sixth place with no hopes for Champions League football next season, outside of winning the Europa League tournament.
They are currently clinging to the last spot for European qualification next season, up on Burnley by just two points.
“We have high ambitions to build on Arsene’s remarkable tenure and to honor his vision by ensuring that Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game,” Kroenke continued.
“We must now focus on making a strong finish to the season and ask our millions of fans around the world to join us in paying appropriate tribute to one of the greats of Arsenal’s history and one of the greats of the game.”
Obviously, this is a HUGE news day, and people from all over the football community, all across the globe, are weighing in on Twitter. Here are just a few of some of the better Arsene Wenger reaction tweets.
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
Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a touching tribute to Arsene Wenger. pic.twitter.com/W4r89iV9he
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 20, 2018
“I owe him a lot.”
Cesc Fabregas has paid a very personal tribute to Arsene Wenger.
?https://t.co/VPCazBVl2B pic.twitter.com/JCNOdHATms
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/DavidVujanic/status/987323920272510976
The stats and facts that confirm Arsène Wenger as one of the great coaches of his generation ??? #MerciArsène #UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 20, 2018
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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