Arsenal legend David Seaman has told fans to ‘remember the trophies’ after Arsene Wenger announced he will leave the club at the end of the season after almost 22 years.
In a surprise announcement on Friday morning , Wenger revealed his long reign in charge of the Gunners will come to an end in May.
It was the news many Arsenal fans have been longing for, with their frustration over the lack of progress at the club reaching breaking point this season.
The Emirates Stadium has been emptier than usual in recent home matches, with thousands of the Gunners faithful boycotting games in protest of Wenger and the board’s leadership of the club.
But Seaman, who was not happy with the celebratory reaction from some supporters, hopes they will return for the last few games of the season to give Wenger the send-off he deserves.
Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups under the 68-year-old.
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, former goalkeeper Seaman said: “It’s sad because it’s coming to an end, but we have the chance to give him the send-off and the respect he deserves.
“I’ve seen the fans celebrating, saying they’ve won the lottery and they’re glad he’s going, and it really makes me feel angry.
“It’s time to show respect and realise what he’s done. In a few years’ time they’ll look back at what Arsene Wenger’s done and people will just remember the trophies, and there was a hell of a lot of trophies.”
Many supporters have said the manager outstayed his welcome at the club and stayed in the job for too long, but Seaman disagrees.
“Not at all. For me, he is Arsenal. It’s right that he decided to leave on his own terms.
“So now let’s enjoy that. I hope all the fans who have stayed away now return. We’ve still got a chance of winning something at the end of this season, so don’t just stay away because Arsene is in charge.
“Get behind the team, get behind Arsene and give him the respect he deserves.”
