A look back at Arsene Wenger's 22-year rein at Arsenal FC

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced on Friday that he will leave the Gunners at the end of the season, after 22-years in charge.

Arsene Wenger’s honors in his 22 years' Arsenal coaching career. /Sports Scene Photo

The 68-year-old Frenchman was appointed as manager in October 1, 1996, making him the Premier League's current longest-serving manager. He has taken charge of a record 823 games during his time with the club, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger celebrating with the Barclaycard Premiership trophy on May 15, 2004. /VCG Photo

The high point of Wenger's 22 years coaching career in Arsenal was when he became only the second manager to lead the team to go through 2003-2004 English league season unbeaten with 38 games. The first owner was the Preston North End team of the 1880s managed by William Sudell.

Arsenal fans hold up signs calling for the resignation of Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal May 8, 2016. /VCG Photo

However, a large section of supporters were unhappy with the team's performance in recent seasons and called for change. Following the failure to qualify for the Champions League last season, many fans began to demand his resignation, and "Wenger Out" banners became prominent, not just at Arsenal matches, but all over the world, even in the most irrelevant places.

Wenger leaves one-year before his contract is due to expire, and although the anti-Wenger attitude has increased at the Emirates in the past few years, no one can dispute his achievements and legacy in English football.

Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis holds a press conference at Emirates Stadium. /VCG Photo

“We're not going to find a replacement for Arsene Wenger, I think, for a variety of reasons,” said Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal Chief Executive Officer. “He's transformed the beautiful game and he's made Arsenal famous throughout the world for the style of football we play.”

During his time at Arsenal, Wenger nurtured and developed some of football's best talent, both past and present. Amongst them are World Cup winners.

Arsenal's new French striker Thierry Henry (L) holding up his shirt with manager Arsene Wenger in London on August 3, 1999. /VCG Photo

Thierry Henry, the former France international, who is touted as a possible replacement, told Sky Sports, "he used to make you believe you were the best player in the world." He scored a club record 174 times for the Gunners in 254 appearances, after joining from Juventus in 1999.

Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger gestures on the touchline during the English League Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Doncaster Rovers on September 20, 2017. /VCG Photo

Wenger will finish his Premier League career with Arsenal in the weekend of May 13 with 828 matches.