Arsenal Football Club today announced the unveiling of a statue in honor of our former manager, Arsène Wenger, at Emirates Stadium, celebrating his truly remarkable contributions to our beloved football club.
From October 1996 to May 2018, Arsène led the team to three Premier League titles, including an unbeaten season, as well as seven FA Cup victories and an impressive 20-year run in the UEFA Champions League.
During his remarkable 22-year tenure, Arsène managed an astounding 1,235 matches for our men's first team, guiding us through the most successful period in our history. His visionary approach to the game transformed our identity, earning him the title of creating the 'modern Arsenal.'
In the 1997/98 season, his first full term in charge, Arsène made history by becoming the first non-British manager to win the league title, swiftly followed by leading the team to FA Cup glory.
Under his expert guidance, we secured three league championships, with notable triumphs in 2001/02 and 2003/04 - a season in which Arsène led us to the extraordinary achievement of an entire campaign unbeaten, setting a top-flight record of 49 league matches without defeat. Furthermore, he holds the record for the most FA Cup victories as a manager, having won the competition an impressive seven times (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, and 2017).
Beyond his impact on the field, Arsène played a pivotal role in the design and construction of our London Colney training center, which opened its doors in October 1999. He also contributed significantly to the design elements of our move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.
The magnificent bronze statue, created by the acclaimed sculptor Jim Guy, stands 3.5 meters tall and portrays our former French manager triumphantly lifting the Premier League trophy. Positioned outside the North Bank stand, the statue is now accessible for all to admire at Emirates Stadium.
Tim Lewis, our Executive Vice Chair, expressed his delight in recognizing and celebrating Arsène Wenger's exceptional leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club. Arsène's contributions and achievements have solidified his status as the club's greatest manager, having bestowed us with countless trophies, cherished memories, and a transformative legacy that includes an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta, our current manager, warmly commended the club's tribute to Arsène, acknowledging his well-deserved recognition that ensures his presence at our club forever. Mikel also expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to play under Arsène's guidance, being chosen as one of his players and later entrusted as the club's captain.
Arsène Wenger, as our esteemed guest of honor, will grace the Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2, and take cherished moments to visit his statue in the coming days.
The commemorative statue of Arsène joins five other remarkable figures on the podium around Emirates Stadium: Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry. These statues stand as enduring tributes, celebrating the invaluable contributions of these key figures in the rich history of our cherished football club.
The one and only Asene Wenger https://t.co/SodywLMqIl
— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 28, 2023
Arsene https://t.co/ycOyEHQSSv
— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) July 28, 2023
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