Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, bringing his 22-year reign to an end.

The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would quit the club at the end of the current campaign, a year before his contract was due to end.

Arsenal currently sit sixth in the Premier League and look set to miss out on Champions League qualification for a second season in succession.

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," Wenger revealed in a statement.

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. "To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club." The club's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke paid tribute to Wenger, lauding his longevity. "This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport," he admitted. "One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch.