FORMER Arsenal chief David Dein is trying to talk “bruised” Arsene Wenger into coming back to the club to see his statue unveiled.
The creation of an artistic tribute to ex-manager Wenger is at an advanced stage.
But Dein, who used to be Gunners vice-chairman, claims the Frenchman is yet to give the green light to a ceremony because he is still upset by the way he was forced out in 2018.
Dein told fans at an Arsenal Supporters' Trust event: “Rather like myself, he is bruised. I don't think he was treated well.
“I think he is still smarting from that. He was never really given the opportunity to discuss an alternative role at the club.
“That caused friction. There was also interference from board members in what he was doing.
“He had a difficult time. I do hope that he does come back.
“It's no secret, there is a statue waiting for him to be unveiled. I hope he does decide to do that. For what he delivered to the club, he certainly deserves it.
“I know he is in two minds. He hasn't agreed to do it yet. I'm pushing him to try and encourage him that he should.
“It ought to be there, a permanent memory to what he delivered to the club.”
Wenger, who turned 73 on Saturday, won three Prem titles, a record seven FA Cups and was in charge of the famous Invincibles during his 22 years at the club.
Arsenal are in direct contact with the Frenchman, now Fifa's head of global football development, about unveiling the statue some time next year.
And Dein insists that he has nothing against owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh, and that he is enjoying the club's current “renaissance”.
He revealed how Edu, Arsenal's current technical director, had a sticky start with the club.
The former Gunners midfielder was supposed to join from Brazilian club Corinthians in the summer of 2000.
Dein said: “He was an unusual transfer. I got a call at 3am from the immigration officer at Terminal 3, saying, 'Mr Dein, we've got one of your players here'.
“I said, 'What's the problem?'.
“'Well, his passport is not really good. We're going to have to send him back home.'”
Edu was entitled to a European passport through his Portuguese and Italian ancestry but the number on the document was out of sequence, revealing it to be a fake.
Dein said: “The agent had tried to fast-track it.
“I spoke to Arsene straight away and said, 'What do you want to do? It could take six to nine months'. Arsene said, 'No, we'll definitely sign him'.
“So I said to Edu at the time, 'Don't worry, go back, we'll get your papers in order, and you will be welcome whenever you come in'.”
Edu was held overnight at Heathrow but finally signed in January 2001.
He was part of the 2002 Double-winning squad and the famous Invincibles of 2003-4.
Yitbctuy
1
givi me fikista of Arsenal
Tecdiklty
1
no mr wenger go and bruised your former cupternig is doing good because of you so come and see a m arsenal in zambia we love you papa
Boncoprsty
0
Fellow Gunners, my sincere opinion about Wenger is that, he is a man that is unforgiven. Several attempts had been made in the past to Wenger to reconsider his stance over Arsenal. What else does he want??? The Fan's had brought placard to the stadium urging him to be part of the rebuilding process. All the coaches employed after he left had extended their olive branch to him to be part of the rebuilding. Surprisingly, he had refused all these hands of friendship. Did he want to remain as Arsenal coach for life after spending 21years on the saddle. Is he an "African leader" who wants to remain in power for a life time. if he was bruised, was he the only coach that had been bruised in the history of football??? Monsieur Wenger should please have a rethink. We all love him for what he did for Arsenal.
you must respect this man and have a good life
Kuteesa
0
Fellow Gunners, my sincere opinion about Wenger is that, he is a man that is unforgiven. Several attempts had been made in the past to Wenger to reconsider his stance over Arsenal. What else does he want??? The Fan's had brought placard to the stadium urging him to be part of the rebuilding process. All the coaches employed after he left had extended their olive branch to him to be part of the rebuilding. Surprisingly, he had refused all these hands of friendship. Did he want to remain as Arsenal coach for life after spending 21years on the saddle. Is he an "African leader" who wants to remain in power for a life time. if he was bruised, was he the only coach that had been bruised in the history of football??? Monsieur Wenger should please have a rethink. We all love him for what he did for Arsenal.
Stop your nonsense, he just complained about the way he was forced out of the club. Stop comparing long staying with only African presidents, there's a tyrant in Europe called PUTIN.
tundeabodunde02
0
Fellow Gunners, my sincere opinion about Wenger is that, he is a man that is unforgiven. Several attempts had been made in the past to Wenger to reconsider his stance over Arsenal. What else does he want??? The Fan's had brought placard to the stadium urging him to be part of the rebuilding process. All the coaches employed after he left had extended their olive branch to him to be part of the rebuilding. Surprisingly, he had refused all these hands of friendship. Did he want to remain as Arsenal coach for life after spending 21years on the saddle. Is he an "African leader" who wants to remain in power for a life time. if he was bruised, was he the only coach that had been bruised in the history of football??? Monsieur Wenger should please have a rethink. We all love him for what he did for Arsenal.
tuhabdikor
0
3 premier league titles in 22 years. poor record, not even 10. so painful.
somoy11
1
Wenger you will be always in our heart ❤️
best190
0
Typical French man never forgives
I pray he does no matter what we owe him big time for the years he stayed running the team on zero
Madcap_237
0
Typical French man never forgives
He's forgiven em But hasn't forgotten
Madcap_237
4
He has every right to be upset I myself see this as Hypocrisy. They pursued him out of the club n nw they want to build him a statue Who does tht?
best190
1
Typical French man never forgives
Jakarta112
2
You are forever in our hearts ♥️ and we the Arsenal fans loves you so much no matter the decision you take we will stand by you ❤️❤️❤️
Criticaldamage
1
After we saw Ronaldo statue Wenger probably feels the same