After coming face to face with his statue for the first time, Arsène Wenger admitted that it was an emotional moment as he now feels “part of the club forever.”
Our legendary manager returned to Emirates Stadium on Thursday having been guest of honour at our game against Monaco, and this time he had the chance to visit the bronze tribute depicting him lifting one of his three Premier League titles.
He was delighted that he will now always be synonymous with a hugely successful period in our history when he also claimed seven FA Cups, as well as play a major part in steering the club through the move from Highbury to our current home, where he will now always be permanently remembered.
He admitted that is something he is truly touched by. “It looks a bit strange to look at yourself not moving!” Arsène said, “But it’s emotional because it’s an honour and overall, I always wanted to be part of this club, and somewhere I feel I’m part of this club forever and that’s where I want to be. So, I’m happy because I’m where I want to be.
“I was always animated by the energy of working for something that’s bigger than me. Overall, I feel that my contribution was to make this club what it deserves to be: one of the biggest clubs in the world. So, when I come now and I see the stadium, I see my work was worth it because I feel that this stadium made me suffer. I’m happy to stand in the shade of this stadium because I had some sleepless nights because of it!
“But overall, it’s great to see it and come back to see such a fantastic atmosphere now, with our fans and with the team doing well. For me, it’s a great satisfaction.”
Wednesday night saw Arsène return to Emirates Stadium for just the second time since he waved goodbye in May 2018, and he admits that over two decades of memories instantly hit him every time he steps through the doors of our home again.
That was the case again on Thursday when a special private lunch was held in his honour at the stadium, with former players, staff members and friends all invited to celebrate his tenure and legacy following last week’s statue installation.
Reflecting on what it feels like to return to somewhere so synonymous with him, he added: “It’s always very emotional because it’s like a film going through your head, you know? It’s very difficult to select the emotions because you are flooded by many emotional situations that you experienced before – on that front, it’s not easy.
“On the other hand, you are happy because you feel you are back home. Five years on I feel strongly attached and linked to the club. The attachment is unbelievably strong and it’s funny because it’s Arsène and Arsenal – it looks like my destiny.
“I’m less [stressed] but I still kick every ball. I look at the decisions made, the bad decisions and the good decisions as well, so the tension is still there, but it’s not comparable. I think if I were here every week, I’d be much more tense, but when I come back once in a while, I want as well to enjoy it, to see friends and get a good taste of the atmosphere here.”
Hear much more from Arsène, including what he said to our current squad after the Monaco game, as well as a special message for our supporters, by pressing play above.
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(Arsenal.com)
