Wenger will have plenty of clubs interested in his services after he leaves the job, thinks David Dein.
Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Arsenal after over two decades in charge is like a "star has dropped out of the sky" claimed the man who appointed him to the job. Wenger will have plenty of clubs interested in his services after he leaves the job, according to the Premier League club's former vice-chairman David Dein.
He was instrumental in hiring Wenger at Arsenal in 1996 and after more than two decades in charge, the Frenchman has announced that he will step down at the end of the season.
"He is going to be 69 in October and he is extraordinarily fit. He has a very active mind and great knowledge of the game," Dein told Sky Sports.
"Over the last few years I know for a fact that he has been approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world - I think Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, the England national team wanted him at one stage.
"There will be no shortage of offers."
Wenger, 68, has led Arsenal to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs but the club have faded in recent years and lie sixth in the league table.
Dein, who stepped down as club vice-chairman in 2007, told Sky Sports on Monday Wenger's legacy would not just be confined to the historic club but to world football as well.
"He will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest Arsenal manager ever," said Dein.
"His style of football, the way he has conducted himself, his honesty, integrity, the way he handles players, the way he is concerned with youth development -- what he has done for the club is immeasurable."
"It's not just for Arsenal. His legacy is for global football."
The 68-year-old Frenchman guided the Gunners to three Premier League titles -- two of those domestic doubles (1998/2002) whilst the third and last in 2004 was the 'Invincibles' team who went thourgh the league season unbeaten -- and a record seven FA Cups.
"I think it was so aptly and eloquently put by Richard Scudamore, the chairman of the Premier League, earlier this week. His legacy is not just for Arsenal, but for global football," Dein said.
"His style of play, his mannerism, the way he has conducted himself, his integrity, his honesty, the way he handles players, his concern for youth development," Dein added.
"His results speak for themselves over the years. He has been enormously successful and will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest Arsenal manager ever."
Arsenal's only chance of claiming silverware this season and sealing Champions League qualification is by winning the Europa League, in which they host Atletico Madrid in the semi-final first leg on Thursday.
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