Arsene Wenger today announced he is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years with the club.
The Frenchman has stepped down one-year before his contract at The Emirates expires.
Arsenal say a successor will be appointed “as soon as possible”.
Wenger, 68, won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002.
However the club’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse in recent years.
Arsenal currently sit sixth in the Premier League and set to miss out on a top four spot for the second season running, with any hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League resting on their success in the Europa League.
The Gunners take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final next week.
Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke described Friday’s announcement as “one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport”.
#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018
He added: “One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch.
“His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.”
Speaking for the first time since the announcement, Wenger said: “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.
“To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club.”
The end of an era. Thank you, Arsene.
Thank you Arsene. Class act and an @Arsenal legend!
— (Jaun-tay) (@jcolexuk) April 20, 2018
Thank you Arsene. One of the best to ever grace the game.
— Äpes (@apes_86) April 20, 2018
Cesc Fabregas' message to Arsene Wenger. pic.twitter.com/SrguOPD36I
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 20, 2018
Arsenal legend Bob Wilson broke down in tears following Arsene Wenger's resignation as he revealed the Frenchman helped his family cope with the tragic loss of his daughter. [BBC] #afc pic.twitter.com/8m3df6jg5R
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 20, 2018
Dear Arsene,
Thank you for all the great memories. We will never forget the great times and we understand the not so great ones. Your legacy is as guaranteed as the foundation of the Emirates stadium and the your immortality as the Invincibles.
Thank you Arsene Wenger @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/kgUzVJgf2r
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) April 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/Nigerianscamsss/status/987283086042980352
https://twitter.com/ArsenalRelevant/status/987283487626547200
There is a world famous poem called 'if' by Rudyard Kipling.. endeavor to look it up. It reminds me so much of arsene wenger. A man who always stuck by his values.. I am sad to see him leave… So sad..💔💔💔
— The Guy (@MI_Abaga) April 20, 2018
When you realise that Arsenal Fan TV will never be the same again now that Arsène Wenger is leaving Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/PI4Y5m5uPk
— Retro United (@Retro_Utd) April 20, 2018
Arsene Wenger what a legend 👏🏼
— Oli McBurnie (@oli_mcburnie) April 20, 2018