Alisher Usmanov pays tribute to revolutionary Arsene Wenger on 'day of great sadness for Arsenal'

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James Benge21 April 2018

Arsenal minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov offered a glowing tribute to “one of the greatest European coaches of all time” on the day Arsene Wenger confirmed his departure from the club.

Usmanov and his boardroom rival Stan Kroenke, who owns 67 per cent of the club compared to the 30 per cent held by the Uzbek-born Russian, have not agreed on much during recent years but both hold Wenger in the highest of esteem, as the former’s statement revealed.

“Today is a day of great sadness for Arsenal Football Club, as it announces the departure of a legendary and devoted manager,” Usmanov said.

“My long-held admiration for Arsene Wenger is no secret; he revolutionised our historic club, and as a man he embodied everything that defines Arsenal as an institution – integrity, class and tradition.

“Undoubtedly one of the greatest European coaches of all time, Arsène Wenger’s legacy will live on far into the future, and I wish him all the best.

“And I obviously wish for Arsene Wenger’s successor to follow in his footsteps and to win on the football field.”

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