The Frenchman will depart a year before his contract was due to expire
Arsene Wenger has announced that he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season. His current contract was set to expire next summer.
Wenger was appointed on 1 October 1996 and he is the Premier League’s current longest-serving manager and has taken charge of a record 823 games. In his 22 years reign, the club has won 10 major trophies- 3 Premier League titles and 7 FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002.
In 2003-04, he became the first manager since 1888-89 to lead a team through an English top-flight season unbeaten.
But last two seasons have been disappointing for the club, they finished outside the top four last term for the first time since Wenger arrived at the club. This season they are 33 points behind leaders Manchester City and are 14 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with five matches remaining.
Arsene Wenger has issued the following statement, according to official Arsenal website:
“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.
“I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.
“I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.
“To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.
“My love and support for ever.”
