Arsenal have unveiled a statue of legendary manager Arsene Wenger lifting the Premier League trophy outside the Emirates.
The former Gunners boss joins Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar and Thierry Henry in being honoured by the north Londoners.
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During Wenger’s 22 years at the club from October 1996 to May 2018, he managed an incredible 1,235 matches.
Wenger led the club to three Premier League titles, including the famous Invincibles season in 2003/04 where his side failed to taste defeat in the top-flight.
He also guided the Gunners to seven FA Cups, while also ensuring fans watched 20 successive years in the Champions League.
Now, five years on from his departure, the Frenchman’s achievements have been commemorated.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website about the new bronze statue, the club’s Executive Vice Chair Tim Lewis said: “We’re delighted to recognise and celebrate Arsene Wenger’s outstanding leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club.
“Arsene’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.”
Current manager Mikel Arteta, who was captain under Wenger before his retirement in 2016, added: “It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsene that he fully deserves and merits.
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“It is fitting, therefore, that as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium.
“It is a place where our supporters and all who visit Emirates Stadium can be reminded of Arsene’s contribution and his legacy.
“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 played for Arsene 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.”
Wenger is expected to visit the statue in the forthcoming days.
He will also be the club’s guest of honour for the Emirates Cup match against Monaco on Wednesday, August 2.
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