The iconic Frenchman revolutionized the Gunners after succeeding Bruce Rioch in the summer of 1996. ..Continue Reading
Wenger is credited with prolonging the careers of legends like Tony Adams and Martin Keown by eliminating the club’s drinking culture and introducing new fitness and dietary regimes.
Having coached in France, Wenger’s extensive knowledge of the European transfer market provided him with a significant edge, and his contacts in his homeland proved invaluable.
Before his official start date, Wenger facilitated the signings of the experienced and versatile Remi Garde from Strasbourg and the relatively unknown French youngster Patrick Vieira.
Although Vieira was recognized as a major talent in France, he struggled to secure first-team opportunities at AC Milan.
Seeing a golden opportunity, Wenger persuaded Arsenal’s then vice-chairman David Dein to take a chance on Vieira, who eagerly joined the Gunners.
Vieira made his debut in one of Wenger’s first home games, a 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Highbury.
Coming on as an early first-half substitute for the injured Ray Parlour, Vieira adapted seamlessly to the Premier League and never looked back.
Ultimately, Vieira won three league titles, captained the Invincibles, and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final with his last kick for the club, where he spent nine trophy-laden years.
In a conversation with Mo Farah on the Olympic legend’s YouTube channel, Wenger revealed that signing Vieira was his most significant deal, as it helped him gain the trust and confidence of the club’s skeptical fanbase.
‘It depends,’ he said. ‘If you look at it financially you could say many, many, many. Maybe the credibility I got first was for the first player I brought in which was Patrick Vieira.
‘People questioned ‘why do they employ Wenger?’ and after of course we have the following with Petit, Henry, Overmars. Bergkamp was already there. You have so many players, you have Kolo Toure and Luaren. But I think just the first players you bring in you are always judged on.
‘After we have so many players. People never speak about Van Persie or Fabregas who were exceptional players.
‘Van Persie scored 96 goals for Arsenal which is not far from Ian Wright.’
