Arsène Wenger Statue Unveiled at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal Football Club proudly has announced the unveiling of a statue dedicated to their former manager, Arsène Wenger, at Emirates Stadium. This magnificent tribute commemorates Arsène’s truly remarkable and transformative impact on the football club.
From October 1996 to May 2018, Arsène Wenger held the position of manager, leading the club to unparalleled success. Under his guidance, Arsenal secured three Premier League titles, including an undefeated season, as well as seven FA Cup victories and an impressive 20-year run in the UEFA Champions League.
Over his illustrious 22-year tenure, Arsène managed the men’s first team in a staggering 1,235 matches, steering the club through its most triumphant period in history. His visionary approach to the game revolutionized Arsenal’s identity, earning him the title of the creator of the ‘modern Arsenal.’
Success came swiftly after his appointment in 1996, as Arsène became the first non-British manager to claim the league title during the 1997/98 season, and he further secured an FA Cup win in the same year. Under his leadership, Arsenal achieved three league championships, with standout triumphs in 2001/02 and 2003/04, where the team went undefeated throughout the campaign—a record-setting 49 matches without defeat in the top flight.
Arsène Wenger’s influence extended far beyond the pitch. He played a vital role in the development of the London Colney training centre, which opened its doors in October 1999 and contributed significantly to the design and execution of the club’s move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.
The magnificent bronze statue of Arsène, crafted by renowned sculptor Jim Guy, stands proudly outside the North Bank stand at Emirates Stadium. Standing at an impressive 3.5 meters tall and weighing approximately half a tonne, the statue captures the essence of the former French manager, raising the Premier League trophy in triumph.
Tim Lewis, Executive Vice Chair of Arsenal Football Club, expressed delight in recognizing and celebrating Arsène Wenger’s extraordinary leadership and career at the club. He acknowledged Arsène’s invaluable contributions, including a revolution in the club’s operations, the legendary unbeaten season, and the successful move to Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal manager, lauded the club’s tribute to Arsène, expressing gratitude for having played under his guidance and serving as captain. Arteta spoke of Arsène’s instrumental role in shaping his career and expressed his appreciation for being part of Wenger’s team.
As the club’s greatest manager, Arsène Wenger’s legacy will now be forever immortalized outside Emirates Stadium. The statue will serve as a cherished reminder of his remarkable achievements and contributions to the club. Arsenal fans and visitors alike can now admire the statue and celebrate the enduring respect and gratitude Arsenal holds for its iconic former manager.
Arsène Wenger himself will be the esteemed guest of honour during the Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2. He will also take the time to visit his statue in the forthcoming days.
The Arsène Wenger statue joins five other prominent figures in the club’s history commemorated on the podium around Emirates Stadium: Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry, all of whom were unveiled in recent years to honor their significant roles in Arsenal’s storied history.
