Arsene Wenger finally ends four-year exile from Arsenal to catch Boxing Day clash with West Ham

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has finally returned to watch his former club.

Wenger has stayed away from the Gunners since his departure from the manager role in 2018, when he stepped aside to make space for Unai Emery. These days, one of his former players is running the show in Mikel Arteta, and the Spaniard is doing a fine job, leading Arsenal to the top of the table with more than a third of the season already in the books.

Meanwhile, Wenger is working for FIFA as chief of global development, and during his time in the role, he has made his fair share of controversial comments, many of which have been linked to the Qatar World Cup. Just why Wenger has stayed away from Arsenal, where he is treasured as a legendary character is unclear, though it may be, in part, related to how his relationship with fans soured in his final years at the club. even if he did eventually recieve a favourable fairwell.

But despite recently saying he had ‘no plans’ to return to Arsenal, he is in the crowd for at the Emirates Stadium for the Gunners’ Boxing Day clash with West Ham tonight. Wenger is in the VIP box to see his former side in action, and it’s the first time he has stepped foot in the Emirates Since departing more than four years ago.

Wenger was the longest serving and most successful manager in Arsenal’s history, but he described his exit as ‘very unjustified’ and ‘very brutal’. Though, he will be welcomed back as a guest with open arms, with the vast majority of Gunners fans appreciative of the Frenchman’s immense efforts during his 22 years at the club.

Arteta did recently say he would like Wenger to return to watch his side, having previously played under the 73-year-old. It’s unclear who sent the invite, but the two are likely to catch up during Wenger’s time back in north London.