Football: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to step down

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA

Arsene Wenger has decided to resign after 22 years as Arsenal manager.

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the club shared Wenger’s written statement on its official website on Friday.

The Frenchman said he was grateful for serving the club for "so many memorable" years.

“I managed the club with full commitment and integrity [...] I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.

To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club," he said.

Wenger was appointed Arsenal manager in 1996.

Under his management, the team won the Premier League three times, in 1998, in 2002 and in 2004.

The club also won the FA Cup seven times.