‘The gentleman who revolutionised Arsenal’ – Gunners legend David Seaman pays tribute to departing Arsene Wenger
David Seaman has paid tribute to ‘revolutionary’ manager Arsene Wenger after the 68-year-old revealed he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.
The Premier League club announced on Friday morning that the Frenchman has decided to step down after almost 22 years in charge, saying ‘it’s the right time’.
READ MORE: Arsenal confirm Arsene Wenger to leave as manager after 22 years
Wenger is Arsenal’s most success manager ever, having lifted three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his long tenure, as well masterminding the club's historic 'Invincibles' season.
And while he leaves the club having failed to win a title since that 2003 win, Seaman insists Wenger will be remembered as the manager who ‘changed football’ and ‘changed Arsenal’ forever.
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, Seaman said: “When he came in he changed everything. He revolutionised Arsenal.
“He changed the way we played, our diet, the stretching routines we did… he did every single session himself so it was done properly.
“He was brilliant and for me and the back four especially, he added years to our careers.
“When we went on England duty, the other players were sneakily looking at what we were eating. They wanted to get on the same diet as us because they knew how good it was for us.
“For me, he is Arsenal," added the former goalkeeper, who won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups under Wenger.
“He is a gentleman, it’s brilliant to be in his company and he’s a really nice guy.
“A lot of people don’t see that, they say he’s stubborn, but that’s not true. He may have been stubborn as a manager but as a man, he is a true gentleman.
“He was a manager who totally changed football and totally changed Arsenal."
READ MORE: 'Arsene Wenger deserves respect and fitting send-off from fans', David Seaman tells talkSPORT