Arsenal have paid tribute to iconic Premier League manager Arsene Wenger with a huge Emirates statue that weighs half a tonne. The bronze statue – which shows Wenger lifting the Premier League trophy – was created by sculptor Jim Guy. It is 3.5 meters tall and weighs approximately 500 kilograms.
The Frenchman was the manager of the north London club between 1996 and 2018, winning three Premier League titles – including the famous unbeaten league campaign in 2003/04 – in addition to seven FA Cup crowns and two decades of participation in the Champions League
Wenger’s statue has been placed outside the North Bank stand which is accessible for fans to view.
Mikel Arteta has said: “It’s such a great tribute that the club has done something special for Arsene that he fully deserves and merits. With a statue now at the stadium, Arsene 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.”
Arsenal executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis told the Gunners’ website: “We’re delighted to recognise and celebrate Arsene Wenger’s outstanding leadership and career at Arsenal Football Club.
“Arsene’s contribution to, and achievements with, the club mark him out as the club’s greatest manager. “He treated the club and its supporters to many trophies and fantastic memories and brought a revolution in the running of the club, an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.
“It is fitting, therefore, that as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium.”
Wenger is expected to visit the statue in the forthcoming days.
He will also be the club’s guest of honour for the Emirates Cup match against Monaco on Wednesday, August 2.