Wenger to leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Arsène Wenger will step down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season.

Wenger has been at the helm of the north London club since 1996, collecting three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups. He also guided the Gunners to the 2006 UEFA Champions League final, though they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

Wenger's team also missed out in the 2000 UEFA Cup decider, suffering defeat on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes against Galatasaray. Previously, his Monaco side were beaten 2-0 by Werder Bremen in the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup showpiece.

"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," read a statement from Wenger on the Arsenal website.

"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.

"I want to thank the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special. 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.

"My love and support for ever."

Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League group stage 19 seasons in a row between 1998/99 and 2016/17, a run bettered only by Real Madrid's 21 and counting.

Arsenal meet Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with the first leg at home on Thursday 26 April.