Arsene Wenger shows class to the end

Wenger bids farewell to the fans at the Emirates

Sunday was an emotional day for everyone associated with Arsenal Football Club. Despite the fact that the Burnley match had no significance in terms of league standings, you could sense there was trepidation in the air. After 22 years in charge, Arsene Wenger was managing his last game in North London at the Emirates Stadium.

In recent years, Wenger had become the target of a small but vocal group of disgruntled fans that wanted the manager out. They got their wish as it was announced last month that the Frenchman would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The reality of it hits hard for those that have only known Arsenal with Wenger at the helm. The man lived and breathed for his club and the idea of him no longer being on the sidelines is hard to imagine. Yet here it is.

Unsurprisingly, Wenger exuded class to the end. The man remained composed and dignified even when he was subjected to verbal abuse and media criticism. That is part of what made the occasion so special and yet so sad.

It was fitting that Arsenal put in a vintage performance and easily dispatched Burnley 5-0. The day, however, was all about Wenger and seeing him off in style. The man was serenaded by both sets of supporters and given a guard of honor prior to kickoff.

The outpouring of love on display makes one wonder why so many had been making the hashtag #WengerOut a world-wide phenomenon. Perhaps some of those anti Wenger fans were on hand and feeling a bit sheepish.

The manager addresses the fans after the match

Following the match, the manager was given the microphone to deliver his farewell message. Showing his class, the manager began by sending out get well wishes to his long time rival Alex Ferguson.

He then addressed the crowd, “Thank you for having me for such a long time, but above all, I am like you. I am an Arsenal fan. This is more than just watching football, it’s a way of life.”

With regards to the future, Wenger spoke not of himself but of the team. “I invite you to really support the players and the staff that remain behind me. Please support them next season because they deserve it.”

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Even the hardest of supporters were seen rubbing tears away when Wenger closed his speech by saying, “I would like to finish with one single word, I will miss you.”

After 22 years and over 800 Premier League matches Wenger showed why he will truly be missed. In his final message as manager he did not speak about himself. Instead, it was about the team, the fans, the players and the game.