5 things you didn’t know about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger, known as “the Professor” throughout the football world, has made his mark in the realm of football management. As Arsenal’s most successful manager, Wenger galvanized English football upon his arrival from Japan, introducing a new brand of delightfully expansive attacking football. A brand which helped him to 3 Premier League titles, 6 FA Cups, and 6 Community Shields. This is all of course well documented, but how do much do you know about Arsene Wenger the man?
Known for his supreme intelligence and usually calm demeanor, his players will tell you the boss is quite the interesting bloke. Have a look down below at five things you may not have known about the boss.
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He holds a master’s degree in Economics
The boss was quite the accomplished scholar, earning a master’s in Economics as well as an Engineering degree as a university student. He isn’t called the professor for no reason, and can also speak six different languages. He grew up speaking French and German, and later learnt English, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. Wenger holds an interest in language and culture among other things, namely politics and of course football. His command of other languages has aided in his recruitment of players and speaking with others from different footballing nations. The likes of Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil admitted their delight in being able to speak to the boss in German upon arrival at the club, while Cesc Fabregas’ parents were persuaded in Spanish (to name a few).
Grew up a Borussia Mönchengladbach supporter
The boss was introduced to football when he was six years old by his father, Alphonse, who served in the German army. Young Wenger was taken to football matches in Germany and took a liking to Monchengladbach. He grew up in a small catholic village, and had to request permission from the priest to miss prayer to play football. He would on to make appearances for several amateur sides in his modest playing career.
Used to double as a football consultant for French TV station
In 2004, Wenger took on a role as a commentator and consultant for French TV station TF1, commenting on France’s international matches as well as some Champions League fixtures. He was ever-present this summer during France’s World Cup outings as he was in years past. The station declined to renew his contract last season, bringing an end to his 10 year affiliation with the channel. The boss was said to be very surprised by the decision, but used it as an opportunity to focus solely on Arsenal.
Published a book in Japan
Wenger authored a book in Japanese titled Shōsha no Esupuri, which translates to The Spirit of Conquest and was published by Japan Broadcast Publishing in August 1997. To nobody’s surprise, it is about football management and is exclusively for the Japanese market. The book highlights his managerial philosophy, ideals and values, as well as his thoughts on Japanese football and the game as a whole.
Married to an Olympian
Arsene Wenger is married to former basketball player Annie Brosterhous, with whom he has a daughter, Lea Wenger. Wenger reportedly promised his wife he would only manage for “five more years and that’s all,” when signing for Arsenal in 1996, the rest of course is history. One does not walk away after building an empire and it is safe to say the Mrs understands this and is on board.