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In all my years of schooling, I doubt there's been a teacher, or rather, a professor who has inspired me as much as Le Professeur. As we Arsenal faithful prep to see the boss for one last time on the touchline, here's a@%#&(+_***
Oops, pardon the keyboard frenzy, there were a few teardrops that fell in. Jokes aside, here's a little tribute to one of the most influential figures in the life of a millennial Gooner... Five life-lessons inspired by the ways of Arsene Wenger.
#5 Faith
"Wenger who?" - the words echoed across north London and with good reason. An unknown name whose CV mentioned fairly decent work in France and Japan. But arriving at one of England's biggest clubs was a thought as frightening then, as Brendan Rogers arriving is now.
In the famous words of Mr. Arsenal, Tony Adams: "At first, I thought, what does this Frenchman know about football? He wears glasses and looks more like a schoolteacher." And that was the consensus. A Premier League manager from outside the UK was far from the norm - there were just two foreign managers back when he arrived in September 1996. Ruud Gullit at Chelsea being the other.
But the Frenchman had a plan, coupled with strong faith to execute it. And today, the man Tony Adams once dubbed as a schoolteacher is better known as the Professor. No offence to school teachers, of course. Tony has never been very politically correct.
Coming from Japan, Wenger knew the value of nutrition and transformed the diet habits of his players. The lifestyle, fitness regimes, training styles, were all carried out in a new way, the Wenger way. He had a vision about how football must be played and brought in players to suit his style. The Wenger way wasn't just greatly entertaining, but rewarding as Arsenal won the double in his first full season in charge.
Not only did the man revolutionise Arsenal, but English football altogether. Don't take my word for it, simply note the nationality of managers from the Premier League's top six today. Ask me now, "Wenger who?". I dare you. I double dare you.
#4 Leadership
"He was a father figure, he helped me to become a better player, unlocked stuff in my brain that was sometimes stopping myself." - Thierry Henry, Arsenal's record goal-scorer.
This recent quote from one of Wenger's gems takes me back to a deeply philosophical interview Wenger gave to the French magazine, L'Equipe. Here's an extract:
"Religiously, it is said that God created man. I am only a guide. I allow others to express what they have in them. I have not created anything. I am a facilitator of what is beautiful in man.
When you read Henry's quote and then these words from Wenger, you get a real good sense of Wenger's ways. Back when the Russian riches were being pumped into London's blue half, Wenger handed the captain's armband to a 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas. Who's now been bought by the aforementioned Blues for a good sum.
Back when the middle-east moolah started pouring in, Wenger lost one of his prodigies to a horror-injury. People doubted whether Ramsey would ever play at the top level again, but Wenger believed. Today, Aaron Ramsey has three FA Cup winner medals to his name and the Welshman has scored the winner in two of those finals.
I don't speak against the Premier League's rich, but I speak for Arsene who at all times has stuck by his values. Come hail or storm or Mourinho.
#3 Humility
60,000 fans wait back in the Emirates Stadium after the final whistle, to hear you speak for one final time in this majestic arena that you've built. And your first words are dedicated to the good health of one of the biggest rivals of your 22-year long reign. Manly tears were shed that evening.
The media too were never the kindest when Wenger sat in front of them. Yet the Frenchman was almost always generous with his time and engaging, and at no point did he have "nothing to say." John Cross from Mirror, who must've made a living with the clickbait he's published revolving around Wenger, he too was moved during one of Wenger's last pressers.
It's a sign of Wenger's class that John and the Football Writer's Association came together to gift the boss a fine Red Wine. I absolutely love the part when John mentions that the Wine "comes from 2004 so it will never be beaten."
At more occasions than one, Arsene has even personally written to fans who are going through tough times. Below is a letter Wenger wrote to the family of a deceased Arsenal fan.
There may have been a bit to desire when it came to Wenger as a manager, but as a man - invincible.
#2 Knowledgeable
Arsene knows. An immortal banner that hung across White Hart Lane when the boss guided Arsenal to Premier League glory at the home of their fiercest rival. Wenger's knowledge of the game and outside was truly remarkable.
Coming from Japan to England must have been a culture shock for the boss. From a diet that consisted of boiled vegetables, fish and rice to one that consisted of Beer and Mars bars. But the boss knew the importance of a truly fit side and added the infamous broccoli along with vitamin supplements, thus adding years to the career of his players.
Beyond a fit team, the boss had an eye for a gem. Just ask Mumbai City FC. The boss unearthed the talent of Nicolas Anelka back in the day and ended up selling him for close to 100-times his buying price.
Then there's the story of the extraordinary Goerge Weah. The only player to win the African, European and world footballer of the year titles in one season – in 1995, and the president of Liberia today had this to say about Wenger:
"He was a father figure and regarded me as his son. This was a man, when racism was at its peak, who showed me love.
"Besides God, I think that without Arsène, there was no way I would have made it in Europe.”
And of course, he could speak all of 6 languages. The gift of the gab was strong with this one. In a time when Sir Alex Ferguson almost bullied the rest of England, he rivalled him and even bettered the Scotsman on more occasions than one.
An iconic quote was unleashed by Wenger when Sir Alex called United the best in England in 2003 - "Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home." And with that, the metaphorical microphone was dropped.
Bonus point: He even knows how to win the title at Old Trafford.
#5 Sustainability
For a majority of his 22-year spell, Arsene Wenger almost hated the thought of disrespecting his contract and leaving the club. Yet at all times he ensured that the man who'd take over from him was impeccably equipped for the future. And that's just the case as the curtain falls on the Wenger era.
A world-class stadium that brings in healthy revenues. An immensely talented group of players who are capable of reaching the top with a few additions. A backroom staff that works tirelessly to get the best out of these players. And most importantly, a set of great values ingrained in this great club.
The Wenger out chants were at its peak towards the end of last season, but word is that Wenger stayed on to put this club, his club in a better, sustainable position before he moved on. This season Arsenal have brought on board Sven Mislintat (Head of recruitment), and Raul Sanllehi (Head of football relations) who would assist CEO Ivan Gazidis in the running of this club.
The much-coveted signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already shows signs of progress, and with the ageless Per Mertesacker taking over the youth academy, the club's sure in good hands. Wenger's leaving Arsenal with a Goliath of a team behind. Not a David.
On another note, Arsene Wenger's time at Arsenal has impacted me and countless Gooners worldwide in so many ways. His brand of football is the reason I fell in love with the game, and Arsene Wenger is probably the reason I write for football today.
I remember my naive nephew once asking me whether Arsenal is named after Arsene. I laughed at him then, but today I feel that makes a great amount of sense. An Arsenal touchline without Arsene is going to be strange, to say the least, but I'm glad I could witness the Wenger era.
Thank you for everything boss. There will be only one Arsene Wenger.
