Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss to leave club at end of season

'Arsene Who?' - Wenger remembers joining Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season,
ending a near 22-year reign as manager.
The Frenchman departs a year before his latest contract was
due to expire.
The Gunners are sixth in the league and set to miss out on a
top-four spot for the second straight season, with their hopes
of reaching the Champions League resting on winning the
Europa League.
Wenger, 68, won three Premier League titles and seven FA
Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002.
"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for
so many memorable years," said Wenger. "I managed the club
with full commitment and integrity.
"To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club."
Arsenal say a successor will be appointed "as soon as
possible".
Live: Reaction to Wenger's departure
Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke described Friday's
announcement as "one of the most difficult days we have ever
had in all our years in sport".
He added: "One of the main reasons we got involved with
Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club
on and off the pitch.
"His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at
the highest level of the game will never be matched."
The American praised Wenger's "exceptional record", adding
that he "transformed the identity of our club and of English
football with his vision for how the game can be played".
Appointed on 1 October 1996, he is the Premier League's
current longest-serving manager and has taken charge of a
record 823 games.
But some fans have turned on the Frenchman over the past
two seasons as a result of their league performances.
Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle was their 11th in the league
this season, equalling their worst tally in a campaign under
Wenger.
They are 33 points behind leaders Manchester City, who have
87 points, and the same number away from bottom side West
Brom, who have 21.
Arsenal finished outside the top four last term for the first time
since Wenger arrived at the club, and are now 14 points
behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with five matches remaining.
They face Spanish side Atletico Madrid, who are second in La
Liga, in the Europa League semi-finals, with the first leg on
Thursday.