Well, that’s that then.
Arsene Wenger, the living legend, is no longer in charge of Arsenal following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium.
[ RECAP: Huddersfield 0-1 Arsenal ]
After 22 years largely running North London, the Gunners’ boss is leaving the team to pursue other opportunities.
Is he relieved?
“Relief, no,” he said on NBCSN. “I’m sad but when you don’t project yourself in the future with a team at some sense it needs to end. I wish everyone well, and I’ll be sure to wish the best for the club in the future.”
Wenger was asked what he’ll miss. There’s a lot.
“Everything. The team, the staff, every day together thinking about what you can improve. Football is fantastic because you have an exam every three days, and you can be desperate but you can be happy very quickly. It’s absolutely amazing and a fantastic education for people.
“I believe I had an impact on the club as a whole. ... I’m very proud to have one 7 FA Cups and 7 Charity Shields. Yes, I see a bright future for my successor because the team has a good attitude and there’s quality. We need two to three additions, and after that I believe the club will compete for the Premiership.”
There’s something sincerely hilarious about that last part, and it’s unrelated to whether you believe it’s true.
Wenger’s team has underspent in relation to the competition for most of the last half-decade -- usually relayed as balancing the books after building the Emirates Stadium -- and he’s taken the brunt of the abuse from fans and media.
For once, Wenger’s the one putting the pressure on an Arsenal boss. Pretty funny.