Arsene Wenger has confirmed that, after 22 years at the coal face, he is to end his tenure as Arsenal manager at the end of the current season.
With no mention of retiring or further future plans, the 68-year-old has issued a personal statement via the official Arsenal website to announce that he intends to step down at the culmination of the Gunners’ 2017/18 campaign.
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018
Entitled ‘Merci, Arsene‘, the aforementioned statement reads thus:
After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season.
I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.
I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.
I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.
I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.
To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.
My love and support for ever.
Arsene Wenger
Positively humming with dignity and class, as ever – which is amazing, considering some of the #WengerOut poppycock he’s had to face from inside his own camp in recent years.
Arsene Wenger has won 3.9% of all the league titles and FA Cups in English football history
"has he won enough though?"
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) April 20, 2018
Build that man a statue.