Hall of Fame

Arteta: Wenger vision was bigger than any other manager

29 Mar 2023

Arsenal boss praises his legendary predecessor as Arsene Wenger is inducted into Hall of Fame

For Mikel Arteta, the influence of Arsene Wenger not only helped to revolutionise Arsenal but the Premier League as we know it today.

Wenger, who spent 22 years with Arsenal after arriving in 1996, led them to three Premier League titles, including an historic unbeaten season, a record seven FA Cups and transformed the English game off the pitch with his innovative approach.

The Frenchman is now being honoured with entry into the Premier League Hall of Fame as one of the first two 2023 inductees, alongside Sir Alex Ferguson. Fans will be able to vote for three players to join them when the 15-man shortlist is announced at 10:00 BST on Thursday.

Vote for players to enter Hall of Fame

In an exclusive interview, Arteta says: “I don't think any other managers have had more impact.

"Some managers have brought different ideas, different characters, different competitions. He opened the Premier League to the world in a different way to other managers. He had a vision that was much wider than any other manager had at the time.

“England and the Premier League have to be very grateful for ever to this man.”

See: Wenger: I pursued perfection at Arsenal

Now manager of Arsenal himself, Arteta spent five seasons playing under Wenger from 2011 to 2016 before hanging up his boots.

He credits Wenger for helping him as a player and then in the next step of his career.

“I had a dream to play for this club and that was because of the way Arsenal played," says Arteta. "It was so attractive. I had a phenomenal time with him.

“He pushed me as well at the end of my career to become a coach. We had a conversation and I asked him what he would do in my position because I had doubts in my career over whether I wanted to continue my journey as a coach.

“He helped me at the club and at the Academy to do my badges and again, he was an inspiration."