Arsene Wenger revealed he’s been invited to the ceremony which will see one of his greatest former players confirmed as president of his country.
George Weah, who was with the Frenchman at Monaco, was elected president of Liberia last year, and will be inaugurated later this month.
Weah, who won the Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of Year awards, has always cited Wenger as a key influence in his career.
“He was a father figure and regarded me as his son,” he said.
“This was a man, when racism was at its peak, who showed me love. He wanted me to be on the pitch for him every day.
“One day, I was quite tired of training and told him that I was having a headache. He said to me: ‘George, I know it’s tough but you need to work hard. I believe that with your talent, you can become one of the best players in the world.’
“So, I listened and kept going on. Besides God, I think that without Arsene, there was no way I would have made it in Europe.”
At his press conference today, during which many of the questions were about his FA charges, the manager was asked about Weah’s life after football and responded, “A happy subject! Finally we got one.
“I have been invited by George to come to the day where he will be president. But what is important is that when you look at his life, and I think the life of this guy is a real film.
“It is unbelievable, all my life I remember when I saw him the first time in Monaco, a bit lost, not knowing anybody, not being rated by anybody as a player, and becoming after in 95 the best player in the world.
“And today to become president of his country is an unbelievable story. But it’s down to the fact that is that one thing that was common in George’s attitude was that he was strong mentally.
“Absolutely convinced that he has a mission and the second thing – because I went with George through the period where it was war in Liberia and I saw how much he suffered for his country.
“That was always continuous in his life, his love for his country and his people. And the care he had for other people.
“I didn’t think at that period he would become president of his country, but today when I look back I must say – I’ve seen him crying when war was on – so it’s happy story.
“I wish him a happy presidency, and I must say this guy is an example for everybody who plays football today … for all the players.”
Asked if he’d be going to Liberia for the ceremony, Wenger replied, “I don’t think so because I believe I will be busy.
“Maybe if I am suspended I will have time to go!”
” Maybe if I’m suspended I’ll have time to go”….. he he… classic Wenger. He does come out with some good one liners.
Regarding the refereeing controversy, although I don’t believe there’s any great conspiracy against Arsenal I’m convinced that Dean and Taylor simply don’t like Arsene/Arsenal and are more inclined to give debatable decisions against us. Has definitely cost us some points. Its getting sickening.
I believe it goes through to Mike Riley and the PGMOL. Though they could prove me wrong if they weren’t a hidden, secretive organisation.
Yes this is a timely reminder that Wenger is a truly great man, who transcends the often rather tawdry world of football – and there is no more tawdry example than the PGMOL. I agree, it should be possible to point out the clear bias and arrogant pomposity of one or two individuals, without being accused of suggesting a refereeing conspiracy.
I don’t think it’s any conscious conspiracy, and I don’t believe the boss thinks that either. Rather I think some refs subconsciously view Arsenal players as poor defenders, who are more likely guilty of infractions than making good tackles. In that split second, this bias comes in to tilt the decision against Arsenal’s favour. The boss can’t very well say up front, Some of you are subconsciously biased against us. That’s why he’s making as public a case as possible. He hopes to right the imbalance, so that when the next time comes, those refs might think twice. (Sorry to… Read more »
..”who are more likely guilty of infractions than making good tackles”… or being victims of trickery! 🙁
Another reason to go in hard on the refs!
Wenger has stood up for everything that is good in football. Absolute legend of the game.
AW showing his true class here..when do you ever hear players talking about their Managers like this? Absolute mint.
The guy called Wenger to the stage when he got the ballon d’or and gave the trophy to him to say you too deserve it.
I may have lost respect for Wenger the manager, but my respect for Wenger the man remains absolute and will live far longer in the memory once he does finally step down.
He managed the invincibles dude, the best arsenal team of all time. Whatever is going on now
I definitely think Weah’s life needs to be made into a film. Would be interesting to see who’d take on Wenger’s role.
yea lets just hope he don’t get shmoked for trying to better Liberia ??
Either Vincent Cassel or Jean Reno, let’s make it happen
Rowan Atkinson maybe? I’ll get my coat…
Is it just me or does Atkinson have a resemblance to mourinho?
Every time he infuriates you, you are periodically reminded just what a thoroughly decent bloke he is.
There’s only one Arsene Wenger.
wenger is straight up gangster material. “maine of im suspended I’ll have take to go” hahahaha he’s a g
Why are you still around ?
maybe* fuck touchscreen
Again?
What a pleasure to read a football story that’s positive and actually true. not laced with controversy about bad refs etc. a genuine success story and a perfect example of the ethos of the club we love.
There’s only one Chris Wreh! Oh wait…
Wenger for PM!
I loved George Weah as a kid, watching him with Milan on Football Italia, and never knew until recently that Wenger played a key role in his development. It’s just another reason to love Arsene and it makes me even sadder that he seems unable to do it anymore.
Maybe if i am suspended i will have time to go. Legend
I hope George doesn’t take advice from Wenger now because he will become a dictator and wanting absolute power which could corrupt him absolutely and inevitably ruin his country.
When you hear a future president of the country crediting God and Arsene in the same sentence, it speaks volume to the influence of a man far greater than simply winning football trophies.
Selfish but I’d love to see AW go there. I remember Weah from my childhood. He was the best player in the world that year and we were facing them in the AFCON qualifiers.. His flight from Milan to Kampala was the very day of the match and I remember praying he arrives in the afternoon traffic jam. He did, spent 3 hours from the airport to the stadium, a 30 minutes drive and we beat them 2-0. His reaction was priceless though. He was disappointed but happy for the home fans. And his concern was how transport could be… Read more »