Emirates Stadium Unveils Magnificent Statue Honoring Legendary Manager Arsène Wenger

Arsenal Football Club made a momentous announcement, revealing the unveiling of a stunning statue dedicated to their former manager, the legendary Arsène Wenger, at the iconic Emirates Stadium.

 

The statue serves as a timeless tribute to Arsène’s truly remarkable and lasting contribution to the football club.

 

Between the memorable years of October 1996 and May 2018, Arsène Wenger masterfully led Arsenal, achieving three Premier League titles, one of which was an astonishing unbeaten season, and an impressive tally of seven FA Cup victories. Under his visionary leadership, Arsenal enjoyed an unprecedented 20 successive years in the UEFA Champions League.

 

Over the course of an incredible 22 years at the club, Arsène Wenger held the managerial reins for an astounding 1,235 matches. His tenure marked the most successful period in Arsenal’s history, and his unique vision and approach to the game helped shape what is now famously known as the ‘modern Arsenal.’

 

Arsène’s success was evident from the start. In his inaugural full season as manager in 1997/98, he secured the league title, becoming the first non-British manager to achieve such a feat. The following season saw Arsenal clinch the FA Cup as well.

 

Throughout his tenure, Arsène secured three league championships, with additional triumphs in 2001/02 and 2003/04. The latter season stood as a pinnacle of his achievements, as he led the team to an unbeaten campaign, setting a top-flight record by going 49 league matches without defeat. Furthermore, he holds the title of the FA Cup’s most successful manager, having captured the trophy seven times (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, and 2017).

 

Beyond the pitch, Arsène Wenger’s impact extended to crucial off-field elements. He played a key role in the design and construction of the London Colney training center, which opened its doors in October 1999, and was instrumental in various design aspects during the club’s move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.

 

The bronze statue, an awe-inspiring work of art created by the acclaimed sculptor Jim Guy, stands tall at 3.5 meters and weighs approximately half a tonne. It depicts the former French manager jubilantly lifting the Premier League trophy, capturing a defining moment in Arsenal’s history.

 

Tim Lewis, Arsenal’s Executive Vice Chair, expressed immense pride in recognizing and celebrating Arsène Wenger’s extraordinary leadership and career at the club. He hailed Arsène as the greatest manager the club has ever seen, attributing numerous trophies, cherished memories, and pivotal club transformations to his influence.

 

Current Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, also paid tribute to his predecessor, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have played for Arsène and captained the club under his guidance. Mikel regarded the statue as a fitting tribute to honor Arsène’s enduring legacy at Arsenal.

 

In light of this momentous occasion, Arsène Wenger will be the esteemed guest of honor during the Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2. The footballing maestro will also have the opportunity to visit his statue in the forthcoming days, where it stands prominently alongside five other statues celebrating other key figures in Arsenal’s illustrious history: Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry.

 

This magnificent tribute solidifies Arsène Wenger’s place as an eternal icon in the hearts of Arsenal supporters and ensures that his profound impact on the club will forever be cherished and remembered at the Emirates Stadium.