Arsene Wenger statue revealed outside Emirates Stadium
Outside the Emirates Stadium, a bronze statue of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lifting the Premier League trophy has been unveiled.
Wenger led the Gunners to three Premier League championships and seven FA Cup victories between October 1996 and May 2018.
During his tenure in north London, the Frenchman oversaw 1,235 matches and contributed to the club’s 2004 unblemished league campaign.
Under Wenger, Arsenal also participated in the Champions League for 20 consecutive seasons, reaching the final in 2006, where they were defeated 2-1 by Barcelona.
The 3.5-meter-tall statue of the 73-year-old, sculpted by award-winning sculptor Jim Guy, was installed Friday morning in front of the North Bank Stand.
Tim Lewis, executive vice chairman of Arsenal, stated on the club’s website, “We are delighted to recognize and celebrate Arsene Wenger’s exceptional leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club.”
“Arsene’s contributions and accomplishments with the club make him the finest manager in club history.
“He provided the club and its fans with numerous trophies and unforgettable moments, as well as a revolution in the club’s administration, an undefeated season, and the move to Emirates Stadium.”
It is appropriate, therefore, that a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium as a symbol of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude.
Wenger will be the club’s honored visitor for Wednesday’s Emirates Cup match against Monaco and will visit the statue in the coming days.
On the podium around the Emirates Stadium, his statue joins those of Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was signed by Arsene Wenger in 2011, remarked, “It is a wonderful tribute that the club has done something special for Arsene, which he completely deserves and merits.
“Now that he has a statue at the stadium, Arsene will always be honored and present at our club.”It is something I will never forget that he chose me to be one of his players and club commander.
Arsene Wenger statue revealed outside Emirates Stadium