Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has finally decided to step down from the club, almost 22 years after first taking charge.
The Frenchman, 68, has been one of the most successful managers in the club’s history, but has become an increasingly polarizing figure to fans as he refused to relinquish his role despite a lack of success in recent years.
However, Friday’s announcement reveal Wenger has finally decided he has had enough and is stepping 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.” he said.
“To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club.”
Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 from French club Monaco and turned them into an English football powerhouse. He won the Premier League title three times and the FA Cup seven times.
In recent years, Arsenal has consistently failed to get past the Round of 16 stage in the Champions League and failed to qualify entirely last season as well as this one.
Arsenal lie 6th in the current Premier League season, but have a chance for silverware as they are in the semi finals of the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid next week.