Arsenal have announced that their manager Arsene Wenger will officially leave his post at the end of this season.
In a statement on the club’s website, Wenger 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.”
He added, “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.”
The announcement will be a day of mixed emotions for Arsenal fans, as Arsene Wenger oversaw 21 years of football at the Gunners, including their legendary 2003/04 Invincibles team.
However, they’ve struggled in recent years, with vocal fan support ever growing for the sacking of their manager.
These amicable terms are a much more deserved exit for the undeniably legendary coach. Majority owner Stan Kroenke said, “This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport.
“Arsène has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude. Three Premier League titles, including an entire season unbeaten, seven FA Cup triumphs and 20 successive years in the Champions League is an exceptional record. He has also transformed the identity of our club and of English football with his vision for how the game can be played.
“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.”
Arsenal will not be making any further comment on the selection process of his successor until an appointment is made.