Social media reaction to Wenger’s decision to leave Arsenal at end of season

Arsene Wenger has announced he will step down as Arsenal manager and end his 22-year association with the club in the summer.

Former players, colleagues and Premier League rivals have paid tribute to the 68-year-old who began his tenure in north London in October 1996.

Here, FP looks at how social media reacted to the shock announcement.

#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018

Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal numbers…

What a legacy 👏#BTSportScore pic.twitter.com/Fdgyo51Bq1

— BT Sport Score (@btsportscore) April 20, 2018

Record-breaker, history maker 🙌🏽#PL pic.twitter.com/fjkN7m9eq3

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018

Thanks for the memories, Arsene 🙌 pic.twitter.com/R1s3isgMfx

— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 20, 2018

Thanks for everything Arsene. Move over Herbert, Arsene Wenger the greatest Arsenal Manager. #arsenaltillhedies

A post shared by Tonyadamsofficial (@tonyadamsofficial) on Apr 20, 2018 at 2:35am PDT

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

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

I will always see you as my footballing father where under your guidance I had the chance to grow as a man and a player, i’m forever thankful for that and wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life! #ThanksArsene #TheBoss 2/2 pic.twitter.com/ekhFNfExvN

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

Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies

— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018

Wow! pic.twitter.com/4yED6f4N8m

— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 20, 2018

Sad news for @Arsenal let’s get behind the manager and team til end of the season. He certainly made me a better player! Let’s Resect him for what he achieved #Legend

— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele) April 20, 2018

😱

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) April 20, 2018

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

“What he has done in English football is quite remarkable”

Former colleague David Dein pays tribute to departing @Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger… pic.twitter.com/J4Id29DDAM

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018

“All of Arsène’s teams have been a joy to watch”

Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore pays tribute to the @Arsenal manager: https://t.co/TYpYqxGDx6 pic.twitter.com/159KrcwGLW

— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) April 20, 2018

🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/TPRrIgFUUi

— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) April 20, 2018

Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday 😉

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018

Just seen the news about Arsene stepping down at the end of the season…

I have been fortunate to be at Arsenal for over 22 years and what he has done for our club has been unbelievable. He’s an absolute gentleman as a person.

It’s a sad day for Premier League football. pic.twitter.com/PfNGobcpze

— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) April 20, 2018

Arsene Wenger is to leave @Arsenal at the end of the season. He has given much of his life to Arsenal. He has brought much success to the club. He has given much to the game of football in our country. Merci et bonne chance, Monsieur Wenger. #Wenger

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2018

Thank you Boss #ArseneWenger pic.twitter.com/iMsz0nuxLX

— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) April 20, 2018

‘A role model, an influencer and very, very successful’

Jürgen Klopp pays tribute to Arsene Wenger: https://t.co/cPl5F3QQrD pic.twitter.com/rUjQ83eQ5O

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 20, 2018

📷 A salute to a legend of the @premierleague.

Thanks for some memorable matches down the years…#WBA pic.twitter.com/2UmGNBILPI

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) April 20, 2018

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