This is how people paid tribute to Arsene Wenger

CAIRO – 21 April 2018: Mixed feelings have been expressed by football players, ex-players, coaches, pundits and fans after Arsene Wenger’s announcement on Friday that he will not be Arsenal’s coach by the end of the season.

End of an era. pic.twitter.com/kn6nX8krnN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 20, 2018

Wenger has been criticized a lot in recent years for Arsenal’s bad results in the Premier League and Champions League. But by his announcement, many have sympathized with him, assuring that he deserves a more descent farewell, as he achieved 17 titles for Arsenal throughout his 21 years with the Gunners.

Wenger led Arsenal to achieve three Premier League titles – one of them was the memorable invincible title in the 2003/2004 season. He also achieved seven Football Association Challenge Cups, known as FA Cups, and seven FA Community Shield titles.



Arsenal places sixth in the Premier League table standings with 54 points. The team finished fifth last season and missed the Champions League for the first time since the Frenchman took charge in 1996.

The Gunners are set to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Europa League’s semi-finals.

This is how players and coaches reacted:

Sir Alex Ferguseon, former Manchester United coach:

"A rival, colleague and friend."

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018

Unai Emery, Paris Saint Germain coach:

Impossible de parler de @Arsenal, de la @premierleague et du métier d’entraineur sans citer Arsène Wenger, une des références sans doute. Merci Arsène! pic.twitter.com/QZLcxbL0CH

— Unai Emery (@UnaiEmery_) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal player Kanu Nwankwo:

Big shoes for anyone to fill,playing for Arsenal under Arsene was one of the best period of my career, 2 premiership, 2 FA cups, The invincibles, playing with some of the best assembled players,influencing millions of fans in Africa to support this great club. pic.twitter.com/tILZo70jBE

— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal player Lauren:

An emotional day. Arsène took English football to a different level & pushed me to become the player I never thought I'd be. Let's cherish the memories & his legacy, which will always remain. We must thank him for giving his all to make @Arsenal such a great club. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/X9fvMGaWJW

— Lauren Etame Mayer (@Lauren12arsenal) April 20, 2018

Robin van Persie, former Arsenal and Manchester United player:

Thanks Arsene for all your confidence in me over the years. You are a very special man & a top coach! Definitely one of the very best ever! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6Ry174GCIS

— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018

Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder:

🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/TPRrIgFUUi

— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) April 20, 2018

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin:

Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man. The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss ❤ pic.twitter.com/EP26M6TP3W

— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) April 20, 2018

AS Monaco’s official account:

Respect Mister Wenger ! pic.twitter.com/RrE3qtkYcz

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) April 20, 2018

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere:

To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbeliveable faith and commitment towards me. Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us no… pic.twitter.com/wTmjTSYwNx

— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 20, 2018

Alexander Iwobi:

For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much! ❤ pic.twitter.com/4QiECh6PUY

— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) April 20, 2018

Arsenal player Aaron Ramsey:

It’s been an honour to play for you and win trophies with https://t.co/GfP7SLO8Fq have been a big influence in my life on and off the field from a boy to a man.I am so happy to see everyone showing gratitude and respect today because you more than deserve it.Thank you Boss pic.twitter.com/QpL7M7ZL7X

— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) April 20, 2018

Lukas Podolski:

22 years at the same club is an amazing achievement. It was a pleasure learning from you, a great coach, true character and gentleman both on and off the pitch.
An Arsenal legend and icon, all of us Gunners will miss you... pic.twitter.com/QfH0K7zGyz

— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) April 20, 2018

Arsenal defender Shkordan Mustafi:

The end of an era for @arsenal and also a very moving moment for myself. You've made me a Gunner. No matter what I say, I can never thank you enough for all you've done for this club. We'll give our all to make this a worthy farewell 🔴🙏🏼 #WeAreTheArsenal #22years pic.twitter.com/BaeDwoWL23

— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) April 20, 2018

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina:

Thank you for all the memories and for giving me the opportunity at Arsenal 🙏🏼🔴 #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/1qbpzmZhrN

— David Ospina (@D_Ospina1) April 20, 2018

Everton player Theo Walcott:

Have nothing but respect for this man who brought me to club aged 16. Thank you for all your support over the years & all the best for the future Boss. pic.twitter.com/CmH6dliOXu

— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) April 20, 2018

Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen:

It has been a great honour to play for you and I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to play for Arsenal FC. You deserve all the respect for what you have done for this club. I wish you all the best Boss! #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/tmhUQsDXtJ

— Thomas Vermaelen (@thomasvermaelen) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby:

Truly saddened to hear the Boss is leaving. A great man who made an everlasting positive impact.The moral support& confidence you gave me, alongside your guidance& support helped me become the man I am today. A shining light on my darkest days. From the bottom of my heart, MERCI.

— Abou DIABY (@AbouVDIABY) April 20, 2018

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck:

Feel privileged to have worked under such a great manager. A true gentleman and an innovator of the game. We will fight until the end for you #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/nLbYgmp2K7

— Danny Welbeck (@DannyWelbeck) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole:

To the man who believed in me and trusted me to play in a great team,thank you for having my back. I will never forget the conversations we had and the belief you had in me thank you for some great memories and good luck in whatever is next for You #wenger ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/bZAlLMeVm5

— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) April 20, 2018

Arsenal’s Aubameyang:

Im you’re last signing but since I’m here I’m proud to be your player Boss thanks for everything #merciarsene #legend pic.twitter.com/1SR7q4qKTA

— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) April 20, 2018

Alexander Lacazette:

Only 1 year but it was a pleasure and an honor to play for you, thank you boss .. #MerciArsène 🔴 pic.twitter.com/TogwzaUGUV

— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell:

What a special man. He Built unbelievable squads that won with style and changed how we thought and played football. Arsene Wenger @arsenal pic.twitter.com/Oq2J9JzoW3

— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 20, 2018

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech:

After the big news today it’s an opportunity for all the Gunners to show the love and appreciation to the man who created huge part of the history and legacy of @Arsenal and hopefully will leave with another trophy in his hands! Up to all of us to make it happen . #COYG pic.twitter.com/W9Tl56Dc8y

— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) April 20, 2018

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil:

Passion, respect and success- that is what Arsene Wenger is all about. Thank u for what you've done for us at @Arsenal and the football world. ⚽️ I'm grateful for everything you've taught me & all the trust you've put in me no matter how difficult the situation was.Merci Boss! pic.twitter.com/2KyoLyWrVT

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 20, 2018

Former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira:

Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/FT5rDt5Hzt

— Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) April 20, 2018

Former Manchester United player Gary Neville:

Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks.

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 20, 2018

Cesc Fabregas:

Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact 🙏🏻

A post shared by Cesc Fàbregas (@cescf4bregas) on Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT