File photo: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger waves as he walks onto the pitch before their English Premier League soccer match against Stoke City at Britannia stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England March 1, 2014 REUTERS
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced on Friday that he will step down from his role at the Premier League club at the end of the season after almost 22 years at the helm.
Wenger led the club three Premier League titles, including going unbeaten for an entire season, seven FA Cups and took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row.
The following is reaction to his departure:
Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes told reporters:
"Firstly he has had a sensational career in France and England for 20 years or so at Arsenal.
"He was one of the top coaches in Europe. Maybe he will take over a general manager position but to work as a coach at another club I don't know if he wants it. I cannot imagine it. He does not need it.
"An outstanding career and he was a positive influence for English football with his philosophy and his style of play. But as in politics and in sports when you get a bit older you have to say 'that's enough'."
Juergen Klopp, Liverpool manager, told reporters:
"I am surprised. It is his decision. I respect that. He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality.
"He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that.
"He was the dominating guy in mid 1990s, 2000s. It is different now because we have to challenge, but in Germany he was a big role model.
"It will be different. Maybe he will go somewhere else. I wish him all the best.
Bob Wilson, former Arsenal goalkeeper, to BBC Radio 5 live:
"He is the greatest manager in the history of Arsenal football club.
"He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies.
"Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country."
Gary Neville, former Manchester United defender and pundit, tweeted:
"Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English football. The 98 team was amazing. The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks."
David Seaman, former Arsenal goalkeeper, tweeted:
"Sad day for Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies"
Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on Twitter:
"A salute to a legend of the Premier League. Thanks for some memorable matches down the years... "
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