A statue of Arsene Wenger has arrived at Emirates Stadium ahead of its official unveiling.
The club’s most successful and longest-serving manager will be honoured with the bronze statue, joining the likes of Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Ken Friar, Herbert Chapman and Dennis Bergkamp in having their own sculptures outside the stadium.
Wenger will attend the ceremony with family, friends and players from the famous ‘Invincibles’ team to unveil the statue ahead of the new season.
“I was the first foreign manager and completely unknown,” Wenger told the Premier League after being named in the Hall of Fame.
“There were a lot of sceptics – a belief that a foreign manager could never be successful in England, but it didn’t disturb me. For me, it was a kind of opportunity to show people that I have the level to manage Arsenal Football Club.
“I must say it changed my life completely. I think you cannot be at a big club and not try to give something special to your supporters.
“I was faithful to the club, and I gave it all for the club,” he reflected. “When I left, I had pride that the club was in that position, with money in the bank, a great stadium, a great training centre, and we won many trophies as well.
“I’d like to be known as someone who loved Arsenal, who respected the values of the club and left it in a position where it can grow and become even bigger.”
The Arsène Wenger statue being put up at the Emirates Stadium this morning, with the statue seemingly holding a Premier League title. 🏆 [@Ashley_McKay] #afc pic.twitter.com/XZXWZb0IGI
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 28, 2023