Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager after 22 years at end of season

The Frenchman, who has won three Premier League titles during his reign, has agreed to depart following discussions with the club board

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  This season will be Arsene Wenger's last in charge of Arsenal. Marco Bertorello / AFP

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  Arsene Wenger became Arsenal manager in September 1996. Ian Waldie / Action Images via Reuters

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  Arsene Wenger the Arsenal manager protests during the Uefa Cup Final against Galatasaray at the Parken Stadium, in Copenhagen, Denmark in May 2000. The match ended in 0-0 draw after extra time, Galatasaray won 4-1 on penalties. Graham Chadwick / Allsport

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  Wenger oversaw Arsenal winning the Premier League in 2002, one of three times the club would win the title under him. Ben Radford / Getty Images

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  The 2003-04 season saw Arsenal go unbeaten all year on their way to winning the Premier League. Martin Hayhow / AFP Photo

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  Winning the FA Cup in 2005 would prove to be Arsenal's last trophy for nine years. Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images

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  Wenger after Arsenal lost the 2006 Uefa Champions League final to Barcelona. Odd Anderson / AFP Photo

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  Wenger oversaw Arsenal's move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006. Paul Gilham / Getty Images

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  Wenger (left) and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho come on to the pitch to try and calm the players down during the League Cup final in 2007, which Chelsea won. Alex Livesey / Getty Images

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  Wenger lifts the FA Cup in 2014 as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought. Clive Mason / Getty Images

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  Last May's FA Cup win over Chelsea was a seventh victory in the competition for Wenger. Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo

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  Defeat to Newcastle United in April highlighted a dismal 2017/18 season for Wenger and Arsenal that has led to him announcing he will step down at the end of the season. Carl Recine / Action Images via Reuters

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  Wenger has three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups from his 22-year reign at Arsenal. Nicolas Asfouri / AFP Photo

Arsene Wenger has announced he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season after almost 22 years in the role.

The 68-year-old's position has come under intense scrutiny over the past 18 months due to repeated failings in the Premier League and the Uefa Champions League.

The Frenchman has lifted the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons but that has not been enough to appease some supporters and Wenger, whose side are set to compete against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals next week, confirmed his decision to step down on Friday morning.

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"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 released on the club's website read.

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years."

Arsenal are sixth in the Premier League this season, 33 points adrift of champions Manchester City, with their only hope of silverware this season being winning the Europa League.

Wenger's final Premier League game will be at Huddersfield Town on May 13, with his final game at the Emirates Stadium coming on May 6 when Arsenal entertain Burnley.

Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke paid tribute to a man of "unparallelled class".

"Arsene has unparallelled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude," said Kroenke, who took a controlling stake in the club in 2011.

"This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport. One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched."

Arsenal added that a successor to Wenger will be found "as soon as possible".