Arsene Wenger’s statue is now in place outside the Emirates Stadium, with the ex-Arsenal manager set to return to the ground next week.

Earlier this month, reports broke that Arsene Wenger was set to receive a statue at the Emirates Stadium, and that statue has now been unveiled.

Reddit user Lebrian initially posted photos on Friday seemingly showing the statue on the back of a truck on the Emirates Stadium concourse, with the inscription clearly confirming who it was for.

As seen below, the inscription reads “Arsene Wenger – Arsenal Manager 1996-2018”.

Further videos on Twitter appeared to show the design of the statue, with Wenger seemingly holding up a trophy.

OMG he’s got the trophy pic.twitter.com/k8EKaMMdRG

— Ashley McKay (@Ashley_McKay) July 28, 2023

 

But we didn’t have to wait long for the formal unveiling, with Arsenal posting pictures of the statue on Friday afternoon, along with an official statement.

Part of the statement confirmed that Wenger will return to the stands to watch Arsenal’s pre-season match against Monaco next week.

Arsenal play Monaco in the Emirates Cup on Wednesday, August 2nd, before travelling to Wembley later that week to face City on Sunday, August 6th.

Wenger is also expected to attend a private ceremony with family, friends, and players from the Invincibles to celebrate his new statue.

There’s no doubt that Wenger is a worthy recipient of a statue, after winning 10 major trophies and seven Community Shields with Arsenal.

The manager also helped to guide the team through a period of transition, moving from Highbury to the Emirates, and his spell will always be most fondly remembered for the Invincibles – the unbeaten title-winning team of 2003/04.