The long-serving Frenchman announced that he will be leaving the Gunners at the end of this season.

It is official. After years of “Wenger Out” chants and banners, Arsene has announced that this will be his final season as Arsenal boss. The long-serving Frenchman revealed this decision on Friday morning via the club’s official website.

The Frenchman will be calling an end to an unforgettable tenure with the north London club that spanned 22 years. The 68-year-old, however, insisted that now is the best time for him to leave the club.

“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,” a statement from Le Prof read on the club’s official website.

Arsene was also keen on thanking the club for their time together, saying: “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.”

The Emirates Stadium side has struggled domestically this season and will finish outside of the top four for the second season running. Nonetheless, Wenger could still win a major European trophy in his final season in charge, as the club faces Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final.

The Frenchman had one key message for the supporters: continue supporting the team. In a season which has seen empty seats and players booed more often than before, he has urged the fans to rally behind the team once more.

“I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special,” he added.

“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 forever.”

While the manager has received his fair share of criticism, none can deny that Wenger will go down as an icon of the English top-flight. This was a message echoed majority owner Stan Kroenke, who insisted that this is “one of the most difficult days” for Arsenal.

“Arsène has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude,” Kroenke said.

“Three Premier League titles, including an entire season unbeaten, seven FA Cup triumphs and 20 successive years in the Champions League is an exceptional record. He has also transformed the identity of our club and of English football with his vision for how the game can be played.”

This revelation has come a few days after Gunners suffered a 2-1 loss at Newcastle in the Premier League, leaving them winless away from home in 2018. However, calls for his departure have long persisted.

Wenger will remain as boss until the end of the season before vacating the managerial seat. As of now, little is known about his potential successor.

He has won 10 major trophies with the London giant, including three Premier League crowns and a record seven FA Cups, and has managed the club for over 800 English top-flight games. Arsene's final home game will come on May 6 in a league clash with Burnley