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Arsene Wenger statue unveiled by Arsenal at Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta leads tributes.
Outside of their Emirates Stadium, Arsenal unveiled a statue of their illustrious former manager Arsene Wenger.
Between 1996 and 2018, the Frenchman led the North London team to three Premier League titles, including an undefeated regular season, seven FA Cup victories, and two decades of Champions League competition.
Wenger was a trailblazing figure in English football, not just at Arsenal, and his understanding of sports science was crucial to the development of the Premier League. He established the club at the pinnacle of English and European football during his 1,235 games in the Arsenal dugout.
In 1998, 2002, and 2004 (the latter year during an incredible 38-match league unbeaten run), Wenger led the Gunners to the Premier League championship. Additionally, they were victorious seven times in the FA Cup, in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, and 2017.
In 1998, 2002, and 2004 (the latter year during an incredible 38-match league unbeaten run), Wenger led the Gunners to the Premier League championship. They also won the FA Cup on seven occasions, in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
Forever Arsène. Forever Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/gdzJfEhhq7
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 28, 2023
The Frenchman, who joined Arsenal after a stint at Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan, supervised the club’s metamorphosis not just on the field but off it as well, guiding them as they left their longtime Highbury home for their new home at the Emirates.
“It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsène that he fully deserves and merits,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Arsenal club media. “With a statue now at the stadium, Arsène can have that recognition and be here at our club forever.
“I’m so grateful to have played for Arsène at this club in my career. He chose me to be one of his players and selected me to be the captain of the club and that’s something I will never forget.”
Arsenal’s Executive Vice Chair Tim Lewis has said: “We’re delighted to recognise and celebrate Arsène Wenger’s outstanding leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club. Arsène’s contribution to, and achievements with, the club mark him out as the club’s greatest manager. He treated the club and its supporters to many trophies and fantastic memories and brought a revolution in the running of the club, an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.
“It is fitting, therefore, that as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude a magnificent statue of Arsène now stands outside Emirates Stadium. It is a place where our supporters and all who visit Emirates Stadium can be reminded of Arsène’s contribution and his legacy.”
Pioneer. Visionary. Invincible.
We have today unveiled a statue of Arsène Wenger outside Emirates Stadium to celebrate his incredible impact at the club ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 28, 2023