CNN
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Arsène Wenger’s departure from Arsenal because the membership’s supervisor in 2018 was bittersweet.
He’s the longest serving supervisor nonetheless within the English Premier League, however stepped down after 22 years in cost with a disgruntled part of followers sad that Arsenal had been unable to win the league title because the 2003/04 season.
On Monday, Wenger was again at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for the primary time in over 4 years to observe the workforce play.
Invited by Arsenal, the 73-year-old Frenchman watched from the membership’s administrators’ field because the Premier League leaders got here from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1.
“I’ve been concerned within the course of, but it surely’s about him, the timing that he wanted to make that step and hopefully, he’s going to stay right here and be prepared to spend extra time with us and be round us as a result of he’s such an affect,” Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta advised the membership’s web site after Monday’s win.
“For me personally – my profession and the way in which I see the sport – however as effectively for this soccer membership,” added Arteta, who performed for Arsenal and Wenger between 2011 and 2016.
When Wenger arrived in England he was solely the third abroad supervisor to educate a Premier League workforce.
He launched new concepts about vitamin, coaching and techniques and established a observe document for signing gamers who turned world stars, notably Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.
Nicknamed the “Professor” – Wenger has a level in economics – the Frenchman additionally performed a pivotal function within the constructing of Arsenal’s new coaching floor and the transfer from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.
It was below Wenger that Arsenal gained the Premier League title in 1998, 2002, and 2004 and clinched seven FA Cups. Arsenal gained the league and FA Cup Double in 1998 and 2002.
The 2003-2004 workforce was nicknamed “The Invincibles” after it went via the Premier League season undefeated – with 26 wins and 12 attracts.
Arteta mentioned his workforce weren’t conscious that Wenger could be watching the Boxing Day match.
“We needed to maintain it quiet and permit that area for Arsene right here. And it was a extremely special occasion – thanks a lot to him for coming,” Arteta advised the Arsenal web site.
“Hopefully, strolling via the constructing, he’s going to really feel the whole lot that everyone thinks of him, the whole lot that he left right here.
“His presence is one thing that must be very connected to this soccer membership. So thanks for doing that as a result of it means lots to all people within the membership.”
Arsenal’s win over West Ham gave the Gunners a seven-point lead over Newcastle United on the prime of the Premier League desk.
“A very special occasion, as a result of Boxing Day is a fantastic day to play soccer,” Arteta advised the Arsenal web site. “And I assumed the efficiency was on the degree right now that he [Wenger] deserves, and hopefully he’ll like.”
Since 2019, Wenger has been FIFA’s Chief of World Soccer Improvement.