- Arsenal held their usual end of season fundraising dinner on Thursday evening May 10
- Arsene Wenger, addressed the crowd at the event for the last time as manager as manager of Arsenal
- Star midfielder Mesut Ozil gave the highest donation on the night
Outgoing Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger, addressed the crowd at the Arsenal Foundation's end-of-season fundraiser for the last time as manager on Thursday night May 10 with a host of first-team stars in attendance to donate to global charity works.
The Arsenal Foundation Ball is a charity event which raises funds for many projects supported locally by the club, as well as some abroad too.
With the semi-final Europa League exit as well as finishing sixth in the League will not inspire enduring memories among fans, but the end of Wenger's tenure after 22 years in charge gave Thursday's affair the chance for some reflective appreciation.
Football is about trophies, it's about winning, but it is also about helping people - Arsene Wenger (photo: Getty)
Dailymail reports that while addressing the crowd, Wenger spoke of his pride for the charity work the club now do, which has grown from small, local efforts to the global foundation that raises millions for projects worldwide every year.
He said: "It is an important night for us. I know that because I have been coming here for 22 years - don't worry I won't come again.
"But I would like to say to all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club. One of those values is tonight. We cannot change tonight. Since I have arrived here this club has grown on the football front of course but as well on the charity work.
READ ALSO: Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere welcomes newborn baby daughter Siena
"I personally walk away from my job proud to think that I leave something behind me that is worthy, that is really good for people and faces the responsibility that football has. It's about trophies, it's about winning but it is as well helping other people.
The Arsenal stars were stunning on the night (photo: Getty)
"It's my last night and I am a bit emotional but I must say as well it is a proud night to see you here every year and being generous."
The 'Night To Inspire' event saw a massive £442,734 raised with Arsenal players and the manager combining to donate £100,000. Mesut Ozil pledged another £30,000 to win an exclusive Rolex ‘Invincibles’ watch made in collaboration with Thierry Henry.
Dailymail believes that the funds will be donated to a number of different charitable causes ranging from a refugee camp in Jordan to a local initiative helping to refurbish football pitches in north London.
Mesut Ozil gave the highest donation on the night (photo: Getty)
Arsenal senior stars in attendance were Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker and the perennially injured Santi Cazorla. They were joined by the 11-time world and Olympic champion Mo Farah while TV presenter Holly Willoughby hosted the event.
Alongside the current players, there were tribute provided via video-link from some of his greatest players. Robert Pires was one such character, who still referred to him as 'boss' in a touching video.
Bellerin continued to grow his reputation as the club's most fashion-conscious star as he turned up in a knitted cardigan not too dissimilar to the one Wenger has so often sported on matchdays at the Emirates Stadium.
PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'
Wenger will finish his Arsenal tenure after their final Premier League match away to Huddersfield on Sunday afternoon May 13.
NAIJ.com previously reported that Arsenal defeated Burnley by 5-0 in Arsene Wenger's last game at the Emirates as the Gunners played their penultimate match of the season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the flood gates in the 14th minute as he lashed on to Alexander Lacazette's pass for an easy tap-in.
Provider turned goal scorer as Lacazette netted Arsenal's second after a neat build up play with Alex Iwobi, as Hector Bellerin's assist got the Frenchman's 13th goal of the season.
Arsene Wenger Leaving Arsenal: Who Will Take Over Wenger? | Naij.com TV
Source: Naija.ng
About Unknown
Logging you in...