Wenger Will End His Career With Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Friday he will step down from his role at the end of the season.

Wenger, 68, will leave a year before his existing contract was due to expire, having led the club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during a 22-year reign, Sky Sports reported.

Appointed in October 1996, the Frenchman is the Premier League’s current longest-serving manager and has taken charge of a record 823 games.

In a statement to the club’s website, he said: “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. 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,” he continued.

Wenger said on Thursday that former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira “has the potential” to succeed him as manager.

The club’s majority owner Stan Kroenke asked Arsenal fans around the world to pay an appropriate tribute to the Frenchman who transformed the identity of the club.

Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle was Arsenal’s 11th in the league this season, equaling their worst tally in a campaign under Wenger.

Arsenal finished outside the league’s top four last season for the first time since Wenger arrived at the club in 1996, and now is 14 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with five matches remaining.

The Gunners will face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semifinal with the first leg to come on April 26.