ARSENAL have unveiled a statue of legendary manager Arsene Wenger outside the Emirates Stadium. Fans have hailed the 11ft tall bronze statue as ‘well deserved’ after it was revealed on Friday. The effigy, created by sculptor James Guy, depicts Wenger hoisting the Premier League championship. Currently, the statue is on display outside the North Bank stand, where supporters may see it during games.
The iconic figure of Arsene Wenger joins five other sculptures of club luminaries inside the Emirates Stadium, each standing 11 feet tall and weighing half a ton. The revered individuals include Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry. This remarkable display pays tribute to the greats who have shaped Arsenal’s rich footballing history.
Following the statue’s unveiling, fans took to social media to express their admiration for the legendary manager. Supporters on Twitter praised Wenger, with one proclaiming, “Forever a legend,” while another commented, “Love it. One of the true icons of world football. Well deserved boss.” The outpouring of affection continued, as a third fan added, “Wonderful tribute to an amazing man,” and another wrote, “A fitting statue. Arsene Wenger is Arsenal. The legend, the greatest! More than a coach.”
Wenger’s influence on Arsenal extended far beyond the pitch, leaving an indelible mark on English football. Over his nearly 22-year tenure as Arsenal boss, he won an impressive 17 major trophies, including three league titles and seven FA Cups. In 2006, he led the club to their only Champions League final. Moreover, Wenger’s innovative approach to sport science played a significant role in the evolution of the Premier League.
The club has confirmed that Wenger will visit the statue in the coming days, and he will also be the guest of honor for the Gunners’ Emirates Cup clash with Monaco on August 2. This gesture is a testament to the lasting impact he had on the club and its devoted fanbase.
From his early days at Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight to overseeing Arsenal’s transition from Highbury to the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium, Wenger’s influence on the club’s legacy is unparalleled. He not only established Arsenal at the top table of English and European football but also became synonymous with the club itself.
Arsene Wenger’s statue outside the North Bank stand stands as a timeless tribute to an extraordinary footballing journey. It serves as a constant reminder of the indomitable spirit and passion he instilled in Arsenal and its supporters. For generations to come, the statue will remain a symbol of greatness, honoring the man who forever etched his name in Arsenal’s storied history.
