It was the news that plenty of Arsenal fans were hoping for, but Arsene Wenger's announcement that he will step down as manager at the end of the season has sparked an emotional reaction from the supporters.

The Frenchman issued a short statement via the club's official website on Friday confirming that he will end his two-decade tenure this summer.

Despite the majority of fans calling for Wenger to step down last season, the 68-year-old penned a two-year deal last May.

However, following another lacklustre Premier League campaign, which has left the Gunners 14 points adrift of the top four with five games left to play, the manager has opted to call it quits.

Despite the recent tension that has filtered through the fanbase following years of failed title challenges, Wenger will leave the Emirates with a glittering CV.

After taking over at Arsenal in 1996, the Frenchman went on to guide the club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs, the most recent of which was in the 2016-17 season.

During his time in charge, Wenger oversaw 823 top-flight games and won 473 of them.

The North London outfit consistently qualified for the Champions League year by year until last season, and unless they win the Europa League next month, the Gunners will miss out once again.

The huge news has caused some fans to put aside their hatred for the manager and thank him for the huge part he played in Arsenal's history.

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