Wenger announces he is quitting as Arsenal manager after 22 years

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced Friday he is to quit as manager of the English Premier League club after 22 years in charge.

Wenger will leave when the current 2017/18 football season ends in a matter of weeks. His is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, ending a near 22-year reign as manager. His decision means he is leaving the London club a year before his contract expires.

There has been speculation for some time about his reign at Arsenal, currently in sixth position in the league table.

During his time at Arsenal the Frenchman who is aged 68, has won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. In two seasons, in 1998 and 2002, he steered the club to both titles.

In a message to fans Wenger said: "I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club."

Stan Kroenke, major shareholder at the club, said today's announcement was one of most difficult days the club has ever had.

He said: "One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched."

Wenger was appointed as manager in October 1996, making him the Premier League's current longest-serving manager. He has taken charge of a record 823 games during his time with the club, winning more than half of them.