Arsene Wenger (Source: Goal.com)
“To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.
My love and support forever.”
-Arsene Wenger
Sitting on the other side of the world last Friday night as The Adelaide Crows, my AFL team, won a thrilling encounter against the odds, my favourite person called out that Arsene had announced his retirement. I felt numb.
I have followed Arsenal since the early 70s where the only way to get news of how they were going was via the classified results on the radio on a Sunday morning and then perhaps seeing some highlights on Match of the Day on a Wednesday night. With the
advent of PayTV, I have been able to watch Arsenal play. The timezone means games are on at all hours of the night and with my only company the cat, I perfected the silent cheer so as not to wake the house when Henry, Adebayor, Giroud and now Ramsay, Lacasette and Aubameyang score.
For nearly half those years Arsene Wenger has been ever present on the boundary. His clenched fist cheer at a goal, sideline arguments with other managers and the fourth official, as well as his struggles with his puffer jacket are my memories of Arsene.
Like all Arsenal supporters and perhaps all football supporters, I marveled at The Invincibles and perhaps along only with fellow Arsenal supporters cringed at The League Cup loss to Birmingham; all from my couch at home on the other side of the world accompanied by the cat.
I’ve loved watching Bergkamp, Henry, Ozil and so many others. I’m not English so it didn’t worry me as Arsene added more and more Frenchman and then added Englishmen Walcott, Gibbs, Wiltshire, Oxlade-Chamberlain etc.
I’ve enjoyed recent FA Cup wins, 3 in the 4 previous seasons, again in the middle of the night on my couch.
I’ve been perplexed at why Arsenal were so heavily criticised for finishing in the Top 4 almost routinely until the last year or so, or going 8 or 9 years without a trophy? I do so reflecting on near town rivals Tottenham recent rise which is rightly applauded even without silverware, as well as the comments of one of my close friend’s, a Crystal Palace supporter, who counts a win over one of the Big 6 and “staying up” as triumphs.
I am thankful that for so many years I have been able to enjoy Champions League Football at least through the group stages and this year the Europa League. Arsenal’s win against Barcelona, care of a Van Persie goal is just one of the many European highlights I have enjoyed, and yes there was the disappointment of the Champions League Final loss to Barcelona on a very early weekday morning.
So Arsene Wenger has called time. He has provided so many wonderful memories. Accompanied by the cat I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks Arsene.
Me with Arsenal legend , Charlie George
Outside the Emirates (2008)
The cat!
As a Spurs supporter I’m probably not the best placed to comment on Arsenal Whinger’s legacy, but I have to recognise that legacy as being remarkable. I think many would agree that the past two seasons have indicated that it was time for him to call it a day, but presumably his selective myopia got the better of him! It’s interesting that the reports here don’t say that he is retiring: there have been suggestions that he was forced out by Ivan Gazidis, presumably because he wasn’t happy at some of the performances this season. And there are apparently rumours that he may return to manage a French team next season.
It will be interesting to see who they choose to replace him. Man Utd didn’t make the right choice when Taggart (sorry, Ferguson) retired, and as a Spurs fan (did I mention that?) I’m rather hoping for something similar. I hope for your sake that they do in fact get it right, though – it’s never easy when your team’s manager departs, especially after such a long time in charge. Hopefully your devoted viewing at strange times of the day will be rewarded!
Thanks Clive,
I agree all things need to come to an end. Be interesting to see what happens next.
Just been listening to a discussion about your team on Talksport and lack of trophies. Wonder how long your manager has left either of his own doing or someone elses? Don’t get me wrong, Spurs are playing great football but it seems that isn’t enough.
Being from Australia,I’m not so tied up in the rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs, I leave that for The Adelaide Crows v Port Adelaide Power rivalry in the AFL which when played locally are called the Showdown!!