Arsene Wenger kicked off his appearance at the Arsenal annual general meeting with a joke (we think).
The Gunners AGM is always a key date in the fixture list for any Arsenal fan: it’s their chance to awkwardly applaud Wenger (as they remain torn between their loyalty to the man who has done so much for them and their frustration with his inability to change), moan about the price of coffees at the ground, and roll their eyes at Ivan Gazidis’ pay cheque.
This year Wenger got his guest slot up and running with a gag about the fact he is STILL there, 20 years after getting the job.
“Yes it’s 20 years, I’m sorry but I would like to thank you for your consistent support,” he said.
“I would like to apologise for every minute I make you suffer in these 20 years but you don’t look too bad for people who have suffered for 20 years. I am sorry for the boy who was born 20 years ago and only known one manager.
“I would reassure that when he will be 40 he will know a few more.
“I tried to serve for 20 years this club sincerely, with complete commitment loyalty and of course competence and that was a very important part of my guidance and I tried to respect what is important for this club, respect for people, humility and as well always try to develop the team and the club.”
https://twitter.com/PR_WhoRu/status/790509792368492544
Earlier on in proceedings majority shareholder Stan Kroenke presented Wenger with a montage image of his own face to celebrate his double decade in charge at the club.
https://twitter.com/PR_WhoRu/status/790502304155832320
Rob Harris, a sports journalist for the Associated Press was in attendance – here’s how it went down, tweet by tweet:
Arsenal annual general meeting
And here’s Stan Kroenke speaking of his admiration for Wenger:
https://twitter.com/PR_WhoRu/status/790504364297379841
And to finish Wenger signed a few autographs:
Wenger signing autographs for Arsenal shareholders pic.twitter.com/KJiaWWPlPu
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) October 24, 2016
And that is it for another year. Mark next year’s in your calendar now!
You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE’s Football Friday Live right here…
