Arsène Wenger: 30 years since Arsenal's game-changing appointment

When David Dein told the Arsenal squad their new manager was Arsène Wenger, a player asked: 'Who the fuck is he?'

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What happened. Arsène Wenger was appointed Arsenal manager on 30 September 1996, replacing Bruce Rioch after a chaotic period with interim bosses Stewart Houston and Pat Rice. His arrival, orchestrated by vice-chair David Dein, marked a turning point for English football.

• David Dein's bold hire introduced an era of multiculturalism in the Premier League.
• The London Evening Standard famously asked 'Arsene Who?' before Wenger's confirmation.
• Wenger's appointment came after Bruce Rioch was sacked and Johan Cruyff was linked.

“Who the fuck is he?”

— An unnamed Arsenal player

Wenger went on to revolutionise Arsenal and the Premier League, but his legacy continues to be debated 30 years on.

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