On This Day - April 20, 2018: Arsene Wenger announces Arsenal exit after 22 years

April 20, 2018 - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, after 22 years in charge.

Aged 68 at the time of his departure, Wenger arrived in north London - with the club then located at Highbury - in August 1996 and won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups - including doubles in 1998 and 2002. For more information on soccer betting, see free soccer tips today

The Frenchman had initially signed a two-year deal the previous summer (2017) after winning the FA Cup, but fans still continued lớn be divided on him after they finished fifth in the Premier League - the first time Wenger had failed to secure a top four finish in his entire tenure at Arsenal.

And in his final campaign, Arsenal finished in sixth.

Among the early list of candidates to replace Wenger were German managers Thomas Tuchel and Joachim Loew along with former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira, but it was former PSG and Sevilla boss Unai Emery who was given the nod.

The Spaniard would last just 18 months before being shown the door and replaced by Wenger's former captain Mikel Arteta.

Here is a look at how Wenger's exit was announced, along with his achievements at the club and best quotes over the years...

Wenger says time is right lớn leave

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me lớn step down at the end of the season," said Wenger.

“I am grateful for having had the privilege to soccer tip to win 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 lớn 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 forever.”

Stan Kroenke on Wenger departure

Arsenal majority owner Stan Kroenke thanked Wenger for his service and his work in transforming the identity of the club.

"This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport," said Kroenke.

"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.

"Arsene has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful lớn him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude.

"He has also transformed the identity of our club and of English football with his vision for how the game can be played.

"We must now focus on making a strong finish to the season and ask our millions of fans around the world lớn join us in paying appropriate tribute to one of the greats of Arsenal's history and one of the greats of the game."