Arsene Wenger was never just a manager to me

Writer Hayat Elseed reflects on Arsene Wenger's enduring legacy at Arsenal, arguing that the Frenchman represented a paternal figure and the club's core identity rather than just an ordinary manager. Looking back across the thirty years since Wenger took charge, the author recalls personal memories such as Aaron Ramsey's extra-time winning goal in the 2014 FA Cup final ending a trophy drought.

The piece defends Wenger against late-era criticism, citing the immense financial challenges of funding the Emirates Stadium move after leaving Highbury in 2006. Elseed argues that Wenger should be remembered as a "specialist in resilience" rather than failure, praising his quiet dignity and sacrifices during years of selling key players to keep Arsenal competitive.