Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswich has paid tribute to manager Arsene Wenger as he prepares to take charge of his 1,000th game at the club.
The Frenchman has been at the club since 1996 and will take his side to fierce-rivals Chelsea on the milestone game in a crucial top-of-the-table clash, but the day before the big match is all talk about Wenger and his special achievement.
Le Prof as he is known within the Arsenal ranks has received high praise from all corners of the footballing world, and now club chairman Sir Chips has released a formal statement regarding Arsene Wenger and what he has done for Arsenal Football Club.
“I think more important than the number is what he’s done for Arsenal and actually for world football,” Sir Chips told Arsenal Player. “He has made it back into the beautiful game, which it’s often called but seldom achieved.
“I think that is the great achievement of Arsène. It’s his wonderful contribution to the style and flow and charm of his football teams.
“What other things he has done for Arsenal Football Club – well, I think he’s given it new character, he’s given it a new sense of purpose and most of all he’s given it pride and self-esteem. [This] is a rather underestimated commodity in some people but it’s to be admired and not denigrated.
“I think that’s what Arsène’s done, he’s lifted everybody up. Whatever he touches has got better and for that we’re all very grateful.”
Sir Chips reserved special praise for Wenger as a man, rather than simply as the club’s manager.
“He’s obviously absolutely dedicated to football, he’s dedicated to his football team, he’s fiercely loyal to his players,” he said. “He makes it fun for everybody but always mind your eye if you’re not onside.
“I admire his dedication, I admire his commitment and I admire his leadership qualities. I really can’t say it more strongly than that.
“Arsène’s great strength is he can ride the rough and take the smooth. He doesn’t seem to get big-headed when things are going well, he’s obviously concerned when they are going badly but he can cope.
“He’s a rounded person and a leader which is what you need as a manager of a football club.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
