Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Football, Premier League
Arsenal fans have been given the first glimpse of Arsene Wenger's statue ahead of its official unveiling at the Emirates.
Arsenal legend Wenger will be honoured with a statue outside the stadium in recognition of his achievements at the north London club.
Wenger is the longest-serving and most successful manager in Arsenal's history, having took charge of the club from 1996 to 2018.
He won three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups, famously guiding them to an unbeaten league title in the 2003/04 campaign.
Advert
Arsenal have commissioned a bronze statue to honour Wenger, with the Frenchman set to join Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Ken Friar, Herbert Chapman and Dennis Bergkamp in having a sculpture outside the Emirates.
The statue will be in place to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' season.
According to The Athletic, Wenger will attend a private ceremony with family, friends and players from the 'Invincibles' to unveil the statue ahead of the new season.
Images have now emerged of the statue ahead of the official ceremony.
Two images posted on Reddit by user Lebrian show the statue being transported to the Emirates on the back of a truck.
While most of the statue is covered by a cloth, Wenger's foot can be seen along with the base of the sculpture.
An inscription at the bottom of the statue can be seen which details Wenger's name and his years at Arsenal.
After being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame earlier this year, Wenger reflected on his time at Arsenal.
"I was the first foreign manager and completely unknown," said Wenger, who is now serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development.
"There were a lot of sceptics – a belief that a foreign manager could never be successful in England, but it didn't disturb me. For me, it was a kind of opportunity to show people that I have the level to manage Arsenal Football Club.
"I must say it changed my life completely. I think you cannot be at a big club and not try to give something special to your supporters."