Arsene Wenger has been immortalized at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in the form of a massive statue to commemorate his’remarkable contribution’ to the club.
Arsenal unveiled a statue of Arsene Wenger ahead of the renowned manager’s return to the Emirates.
Arsenal has paid tribute to legendary Premier League manager Arsene Wenger with a massive Emirates monument weighing half a tonne.
Arsenal unveiled a statue of Arsene Wenger ahead of the renowned manager’s return to the Emirates.
The Frenchman led the team to three domestic titles, including the legendary Invincible season, seven FA Cup victories, and two decades of Champions League football.
His 22-year reign ended in 2018 with 707 wins from 1235 games, which will be commemorated by the display of his trophy before their Emirates Cup encounter against another of his previous clubs in Monaco on Wednesday (August 2).
Wenger’s monument, which depicts him hoisting the Premier League trophy, joins five others commissioned by the club, including Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry.
Wenger’s statue has been placed outside the North Bank stand which is accessible for fans to view.
Mikel Arteta has said: “It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsene that he fully deserves and merits.
“With a statue now at the stadium, Arsene can have that recognition and be here at our club forever.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to play for Arsene at this club during my career.” He chose me to be one of his players and the club’s captain, and that is something I will never forget.”
Wenger’s influence on English football extends beyond the club he spent more than two decades with and into the game’s overall evolution.
Many credit the former Monaco manager with improving players’ diets and training routines while providing challenge to Sir Alex Ferguson’s powerful Manchester United.
He was also involved in the design of Arsenal’s London Colney training facility, as well as the 2006 shift from Highbury to Emirates.
“It is fitting, therefore, that a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude,” said Arsenal’s executive vice chair, Tim Lewis.
“It’s a place where our fans and everyone who comes to Emirates Stadium can be reminded of Arsene’s contribution and legacy.”
Wenger has not returned to Arsenal frequently since confessing in 2018 that the timing of his departure was not of his choosing as FIFA’s president of global football development.
