CNN
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Arsène Wenger’s departure from Arsenal because the membership’s supervisor in 2018 was bittersweet.

He’s the longest serving supervisor nonetheless within the English Premier League, however stepped down after 22 years in cost with a disgruntled part of followers sad that Arsenal had been unable to win the league title because the 2003/04 season.

On Monday, Wenger was again at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for the primary time in over 4 years to observe the crew play.

Invited by Arsenal, the 73-year-old Frenchman watched from the membership’s administrators’ field because the Premier League leaders got here from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1.

“I’ve been concerned within the course of, nevertheless it’s about him, the timing that he wanted to make that step and hopefully, he’s going to stay right here and be prepared to spend extra time with us and be round us as a result of he’s such an affect,” Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta instructed the membership’s web site after Monday’s win.

“For me personally – my profession and the way in which I see the sport – however as nicely for this soccer membership,” added Arteta, who performed for Arsenal and Wenger between 2011 and 2016.

Wenger shakes hands with a fan after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018.

When Wenger arrived in England he was solely the third abroad supervisor to educate a Premier League crew.

He launched new concepts about vitamin, coaching and techniques and established a monitor report for signing gamers who grew to become world stars, notably Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.

Nicknamed the “Professor” – Wenger has a level in economics – the Frenchman additionally performed a pivotal position within the constructing of Arsenal’s new coaching floor and the transfer from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.

It was below Wenger that Arsenal received the Premier League title in 1998, 2002, and 2004 and clinched seven FA Cups. Arsenal received the league and FA Cup Double in 1998 and 2002.

Wenger holds the Premier League trophy at Islington Town Hall on May 19, 2004.

The 2003-2004 crew was nicknamed “The Invincibles” after it went by way of the Premier League season undefeated – with 26 wins and 12 attracts.

Arteta stated his crew weren’t conscious that Wenger could be watching the Boxing Day match.

“We needed to maintain it quiet and permit that house for Arsene right here. And it was a very big day – thanks a lot to him for coming,” Arteta instructed the Arsenal web site.

“Hopefully, strolling by way of the constructing, he’s going to really feel all the things that everyone thinks of him, all the things that he left right here.

“His presence is one thing that must be very hooked up to this soccer membership. So thanks for doing that as a result of it means so much to all people within the membership.”

Wenger speaks with his players during the the FA Cup final against Hull City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014.

Arsenal’s win over West Ham gave the Gunners a seven-point lead over Newcastle United on the prime of the Premier League desk.

“A very big day, as a result of Boxing Day is a fantastic day to play soccer,” Arteta instructed the Arsenal web site. “And I believed the efficiency was on the stage in the present day that he [Wenger] deserves, and hopefully he’ll like.”

Wenger says goodbye to the Arsenal fans after 22 years as the club's manager.

Since 2019, Wenger has been FIFA’s Chief of International Soccer Improvement.