After nearly 22 years in charge of the Gunners, the Frenchman has announced that the time is right for him to leave the Emirates Stadium

Arsene Wenger has announced that he will stand down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season.

The 68-year-old took charge of the club in 1996 and has guided them to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, although in recent years his record has come under scrutiny.

Pressure mounted on the former Nancy, Monaco and Nagoya Grampus Eight boss when he failed to lead Arsenal into the Champions League for the first time since 1996-97 last summer, and with the Gunners struggling to reach the Premier League top four once more, he has decided to call it quits.

In a statement published on the club's official website , he said: “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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke expressed his thanks to the Frenchman for his service to the north London side.

“This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport,” he said. “One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.