Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal: reactions, tweets and quotes

Arsene Wenger Arsenal next manager betting odds

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is stepping down at the end of the season

(Image credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

published 20 April 2018

After nearly 22 years in the Arsenal manager’s chair, Arsene Wenger announced today that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger out! Arsenal boss to leave at end of the season

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Per Mertesacker, Arsenal club captain: “One major reason why I’m here is because of him. It’s been emotional and there will be time to digest it but it is a sad feeling right now. He’s been the major figure for this club for over 20 years. He’s been so impressive for me and he’s trusted me so much throughout my career, in bringing me here, giving me the opportunity to play here and making me captain even when I was injured. He also gave me a future role here at the club, so I’m very grateful and humbled for the opportunity he gave to me. It is a sad day for me but we’re also moving forward for the future.”

Thierry Henry, former Arsenal striker: “It is a sad day for me to see the big man leaving the club, and happy one in a way that people give him the exit he deserves. Recently it has been hard for him and the club. Starting from Sunday, against West Ham, I hope people go to the game and not only see him in one of his last games at the Emirates and to support the team, but also to give him a good exit. I did not expect it, he will have his reasons, it is a weird one for me.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United boss: “I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal. It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that [he] has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.”

Antonio Conte, Chelsea: “I think we must pay tribute to Arsene Wenger for his career. He and [Sir Alex] Ferguson, we are talking about the last two managers to stay for such long time at a club. Twenty-two years for Arsenal, it is great. It is fantastic and a fantastic story. He won a lot with the club and for that reason he deserves a great tribute. As a manager he had a great influence on football. He tried to play good football, play creative football and offensive football. He deserves a great tribute.”