Arsenal have unveiled a bronze statue of legendary former manager Arsene Wenger outside Emirates Stadium.
He helped the Gunners to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his reign from 1996 to 2018. The Frenchman is lifting the Premier League trophy in the 3.5-metre statue outside the North Bank Stand. The 73-year-old will be a guest of honour for Arsenal’s home friendly against Monaco on Wednesday.
“Arsenal unveiled Arsene Wenger’s statue outside Emirates Stadium on Friday, commemorating Arsene’s truly remarkable contribution to our football club,” the Premier League club confirmed on their official website, adding: “During his time as our manager, Arsene won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, also leading us to a historic unbeaten league season in 2003-04.”
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The statement continued: “Arsene’s statue was created by award-winning sculptor Jim Guy, working with product management director Ian Landor at MDM. Production time was approximately one year and the statue was produced with the Foundry team of Simon Allan and Adam Paddon from Sculpture Castings. Art Direction was from 20.20 Ltd.
“The statue is made of bronze, weighing approximately half a ton, and is 3.5 metres high, and celebrates Arsène lifting the Premier League trophy – which he won in 1998, 2002, and 2004.”
What did Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta say: “It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsène that he fully deserves and merits,” adding: “With a statue now at the stadium, Arsène can have that recognition and be here at our club forever.
“I’m so grateful to have played for Arsene at this club in my career. He chose me to be one of his players and selected me to be the captain of the club and that’s something I will never forget.”
Wenger joins five other Arsenal legends with statues outside the ground – Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Herbert Chapman, and Ken Friar.