EPL: Wenger finally bows out of Emirates, reveals next plans
Arsene Wenger says he is very proud of his time as Arsenal manager after taking charge of his final game in their 1-0 away win against Huddersfield Town in the final day of this season’s Premier League on Sunday.
After 22 years in charge, Wenger eventually stepped down as Arsenal manager, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
NationReformer.com recalls that last month, Wenger agreed to leave the gunners on an £11million pay-off at the end of the season.
In his post-match interview after Arsenal’s win at Huddersfield, the Frenchman said: “I had an impact on the club as a whole because the club is in a strong position, it has a new stadium, a new training ground and new players.
“With the results, we won three Premier League titles, played 49 games unbeaten and I’m very proud to have won seven FA Cups too.”
Wenger expressed confidence that the new manager that will replace him will be inheriting a good side that can challenge for the league title next season.
“I see a bright future for my successor because the team has a good attitude and quality. The team needs some additions and if they get them I think they will compete for the Premier League title,” the Frenchman, 68, added.
“Of course it is very emotional after 1,235 games for the same club. To enjoy it we had to win it (the Huddersfield game), winning football games is what makes me happy and the boys did it. It was a good day for everyone with Huddersfield staying up too.
“Do I feel relief? Not really, I’m sad. At some stage it has to end, I wish everyone well, the fans have been great until the end and I wish the club well for the future.
“It will be hard to adjust of course but I will have to deal with that. I want to wish this group of players well and the staff coming in, I will remain an Arsenal fan above everything else.”
And on whether he will continue to manage and also the standing ovation he got from both sets of Arsenal and Huddersfield fans, Wenger said: “I will stay in football for sure. Whether that is managing or not… I am addicted and I don’t think that can be cured.
“I didn’t know that would happen, they were fantastic. I have a little bit of a special bond here because Herbert Chapman came from the club to our club and he is certainly our greatest manager. So it had a special meaning.”
