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Arsene Wenger names Herbert Chapman Arsenal’s greatest manager ahead of himself

Frenchman said it is the Huddersfield native who is the greatest Gunners manager

ARSENE WENGER has insisted that Herbert Chapman is Arsenal’s greatest ever manager – ahead of himself.

The former boss – immortalised with a statue outside the Emirates stadium -  won the 1930 FA Cup and two top-flight titles in 1931 and 1933.

 Arsene Wenger bowed out of Arsenal duty with their first away points of 2018
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Arsene Wenger bowed out of Arsenal duty with their first away points of 2018Credit: PA:Empics Sport

As well as making Huddersfield and Arsenal dominant forces in British football, Chapman was a driving force in the introduction of floodlighting, European club competitions and numbered shirts.

And – after his final game away at Huddersfield, Chapman’s hometown – Wenger deflected spotlight away from himself and on to his iconic predecessor.

He said: “I have a little bit of a special bond here because Herbert Chapman came from the club to our club and he is certainly our greatest manager. So it had a special meaning."

"I will stay in football for sure. Whether that is managing or not... I am addicted and I don't think that can be cured.

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Arsene Wenger will now step down after 1235 games in chargeCredit: Getty - Contributor
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Arsenal fans flew a banner over Huddersfield in honour of Arsene WengerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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Fans paid tribute to Arsene Wenger in his last-ever Arsenal gameCredit: PA:Press Association
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"Of course it is very emotional after 1,235 games for the same club. To enjoy it we had to win it. Winning football games is what makes me happy and the boys did it.

"Do I feel relief? Not really, I'm sad. At some stage it has to end. I wish everyone well, the fans have been great until the end and I wish the club well for the future.

Arsene Wenger gives the Arsenal away fans a bow during his final game in charge
 Arsenal fans showed their support for Arsene Wenger against Huddersfield
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Arsenal fans showed their support for Arsene Wenger against HuddersfieldCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Arsene Wengers reign as Arsenal manager ended with a 1-0 win at Huddersfield
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Arsene Wengers reign as Arsenal manager ended with a 1-0 win at HuddersfieldCredit: REUTERS
 Herbert Chapman is the Huddersfield son who changed Arsenal
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Herbert Chapman is the Huddersfield son who changed ArsenalCredit: Getty - Contributor

"It will be hard to adjust but I will have to deal with that.

"I will remain an Arsenal fan above everything else.

"I will stay in football for sure. Whether that is managing or not... I am addicted and I don't think that can be cured.”

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