Arsène Wenger at the heart of Arsenal’s 30-year bond with France | OneFootball

Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday at 18:00, yet few clubs command affection in France. That bond stems from Arsène Wenger, French stars and strong coverage.

According to L'Équipe, it began warily. Wenger’s appointment on 30 September 1996 unsettled some and prompted 'Arsène Who?', while an early wave of French signings, five by 1997 including Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka, jarred with followers.

Arsenal did the league and FA Cup double in 1998, Petit and Vieira then helped France beat Brazil 3-0, and interest surged as Henry and Pirès arrived before the 2003-04 unbeaten title.

Supporter groups grew, with the Arsenal Supporter Club France in 2004 and Arsenal France Brittany Supporters Club in 2007, even after a 1-2 loss to Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final. Arsenal kept at least five French players between 2006 and 2015, including Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny.

Wenger’s considered manner sustained goodwill, notably when he fronted up after the 8-2 at Old Trafford on 28 August 2011. Eurostar links and the move to the Emirates in 2006 made visits easier.

French visitors have been welcomed, reflected in Fred Atkins’s 2012 book The French Connection. That Francophile streak endured after Wenger left in 2018, extending to a 2023 clothing line in France’s colours.

Arsenal may no longer be France’s clear Premier League favourite, but the base is solid. With only William Saliba now in the squad, many say their allegiance is to the club and its story.

Source: L'Équipe