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It’s official. Arsene Wenger is leaving Arsenal. After 22 years the manager announced he is stepping away from the club at the end of this season.
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.
Whether you were #WengerIn or #WengerOut, you have to admit the man dedicated his life to the North London club and deserves a lot of respect for all that he has done.
The tributes are pouring in from all over the football world. The most poignant are from players past and present. Here’s a long compilation from just some of the 221 players to have worked with Wenger at Arsenal:
Have nothing but respect for this man who brought me to club aged 16. Thank you for all your support over the years & all the best for the future Boss. pic.twitter.com/CmH6dliOXu
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) April 20, 2018
Thank you Boss #GunnersForLife pic.twitter.com/QZlJEh1Zue
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) April 20, 2018
Obrigado por tudo .
— Gilberto Silva (@GilbertoSilva) April 20, 2018
Thanks for everything.#MerciArsène @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/EwEPDHSDAA
Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man. The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss ❤ pic.twitter.com/EP26M6TP3W
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) April 20, 2018
It’s been an honour to play for you and win trophies with https://t.co/GfP7SLO8Fq have been a big influence in my life on and off the field from a boy to a man.I am so happy to see everyone showing gratitude and respect today because you more than deserve it.Thank you Boss pic.twitter.com/QpL7M7ZL7X
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) April 20, 2018
To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbeliveable faith and commitment towards me. Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us no… pic.twitter.com/wTmjTSYwNx
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 20, 2018
Sad news for @Arsenal let’s get behind the manager and team til end of the season. He certainly made me a better player! Let’s Resect him for what he achieved #Legend
— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele) April 20, 2018
I will always see you as my footballing father where under your guidance I had the chance to grow as a man and a player, i'm forever thankful for that and wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life! #ThanksArsene #TheBoss 2/2 pic.twitter.com/ekhFNfExvN
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018
6 years of the most enjoyable successful football of my career. Thank you Arsene. A club legend
— Lee Dixon (@LeeDixon2) April 20, 2018
Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018
Wow! pic.twitter.com/4yED6f4N8m
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 20, 2018
An emotional day. Arsène took English football to a different level & pushed me to become the player I never thought I'd be. Let's cherish the memories & his legacy, which will always remain. We must thank him for giving his all to make @Arsenal such a great club. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/X9fvMGaWJW
— Lauren Etame Mayer (@Lauren12arsenal) April 20, 2018
Big shoes for anyone to fill,playing for Arsenal under Arsene was one of the best period of my career, 2 premiership, 2 FA cups, The invincibles, playing with some of the best assembled players,influencing millions of fans in Africa to support this great club. pic.twitter.com/tILZo70jBE
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) April 20, 2018
For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much! ❤ pic.twitter.com/4QiECh6PUY
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) April 20, 2018
Thank you for everything Arsène @Arsenal #forevergrateful #ThankYouArseneWenger pic.twitter.com/aRu2UxvR9z
— Phil Senderos (@Philsend4) April 20, 2018
Thank you for all the memories and for giving me the opportunity at Arsenal #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/1qbpzmZhrN
— David Ospina (@D_Ospina1) April 20, 2018
Truly saddened to hear the Boss is leaving. A great man who made an everlasting positive impact.The moral support& confidence you gave me, alongside your guidance& support helped me become the man I am today. A shining light on my darkest days. From the bottom of my heart, MERCI.
— Abou DIABY (@AbouVDIABY) April 20, 2018
The end of an era for @arsenal and also a very moving moment for myself. You've made me a Gunner. No matter what I say, I can never thank you enough for all you've done for this club. We'll give our all to make this a worthy farewell #WeAreTheArsenal #22years pic.twitter.com/BaeDwoWL23
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) April 20, 2018
BOSS
— Gervinho (@GervinhOfficial) April 20, 2018
Merci pour tout ... pic.twitter.com/RXxQqbdxcE
So much respect for this man. He believed in me and brought me to this great club! Let’s finish this season strong #COYG pic.twitter.com/i1amN02c9v
— Calum Chambers (@CalumChambers95) April 20, 2018
After the big news today it’s an opportunity for all the Gunners to show the love and appreciation to the man who created huge part of the history and legacy of @Arsenal and hopefully will leave with another trophy in his hands! Up to all of us to make it happen . #COYG pic.twitter.com/W9Tl56Dc8y
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) April 20, 2018
Forever thankful to the boss for bringing me to this great club. Now let's end the season on a high for him! #COYG ❤ pic.twitter.com/Ob2qrjtgGx
— Rob Holding (@RobHolding95) April 20, 2018
An honour and privilege to play under your guidance Boss, thank you for everything! ❤ pic.twitter.com/ioCtQuJzWR
— Reiss Nelson (@ReissNelson9) April 20, 2018
Arsene Wenger will forever be a special manager to me. He gave me a chance and I will always be grateful to him for that. He has shown faith and support in me - not just as a manager and as a coach, but also as an individual. He will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/2A9XH9IK1s
— Eddie Nketiah (@EddieNketiah9) April 20, 2018
Boss, just recently I was saying how much you influenced my career. You taught me how to be the best leader & captain. It's an emotional day for us Gunners, you gave everything to the club & I’m so proud to be a part of your journey. My biggest thanks to you Arsène. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/fJQMCx05Y3
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) April 20, 2018