'Irreplaceable': Football world reacts to Arsene Wenger's departure

The world of football has paid tribute to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after the club announced he will step down from his role at the end of the season.

In a statement, the 68-year-old Frenchman, who has been at the club for almost 22 years, said he felt it was the "right time" to draw an end to his tenure at the Emirates.

"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years," he said.

"I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. I want to thank the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special.

"I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. My love and support for ever."

:: Analysis: Wenger outstayed his welcome

Speaking at a press conference following the announcement, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said it had been "an emotional day" and Wenger was busy preparing for Sunday's game against West Ham.

"We're not going to find a replacement for Arsene Wenger," Gazidis said.

"He is an extraordinary man. It is unthinkable to me that we will have another manager - at Arsenal or elsewhere in the Premier League - who stays in their post for 22 years."

Gazidis refused to say whether Wenger would help find his successor but insisted the club had never been "better prepared" for his decision to leave.

"We are going to have a process, that begins today," Gazidis said.

"But I want that to be in-house. We will go through a respectful process. Out of respect for this man we haven't had any discussions to date."

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker said he felt "sad" following news of Wenger's departure.

"It is quite emotional," he said.

"Obviously he has been at the club for such a long time, he has been so supportive to me."

Former Arsenal captains Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, who both played under Wenger, described the coach as a "father figure".

Van Persie wrote: "I will always see you as my footballing father where under your guidance I had the chance to grow as a man and a player, i'm forever thankful for that."

Fabregas added: "He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best."

Former goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a "sad day", while former midfielder Paul Merson called for the club's stadium to be renamed after the Frenchman in his honour.

Wenger's old rival Sir Alex Ferguson said the Frenchman was "without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers".

The former Manchester United boss added: "I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."

Football pundit Gary Lineker said Wenger had "given much to the game of football in our country" and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said the Frenchman had "built the best teams that I played against in English Football".

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the Arsenal manager had an "outstanding career" and a "fantastic personality".

Labour leader and Arsenal fan Jeremy Corbyn also took time to praise Wenger, who he said was responsible for "revolutionising the English game".

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport".

He said: "His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.

"Arsene has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude."

Arsenal said they would seek to replace Wenger, who had just one more year left on his contract, as soon as possible.

Despite drawing criticism over performances in recent years, Wenger won the league title unbeaten in the 2003/2004 season, earning his team the "Invincibles" nickname.

He is Arsenal's most successful manager, winning 10 major trophies - including three Premier League titles - during his time.