Arsène Wenger’s departure as Arsenal manager in 2018 was bittersweet.
He is the longest-serving manager in the English Premier League, but he stepped down after 22 years in charge, angered by Arsenal’s inability to win the league title since the 2003/04 season.
Wenger returned to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Monday for the first time in over four years to watch the team play.
The 73-year-old Frenchman was invited by Arsenal and watched from the club’s directors’ box as the Premier League leaders came from behind to defeat West Ham United 3-1.
“I’ve been involved in the process, but it’s about him, the timing that he needed to make that step, and hopefully, he’ll be willing to spend more time with us and be around us because he’s such an influence,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the club’s win on Monday.
“Not only for me and my career and the way I see the game, but also for this football club,” Arteta, who played for Arsenal and Wenger between 2011 and 2016, added.