FORMER ARSENAL STARS Paul Merson and Alan Smith have called for the Emirates Stadium to be renamed after departing manager Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman announced on Friday that he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season after winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups in his 22 years in charge.
And both Merson and Smith believe the most fitting tribute to Wenger would be to name their stadium in his honour as he leaves the club.
“They should drop the Emirates bit – they don’t need the money – and name it the Arsene Wenger Stadium,” Merson, who played for Wenger, told Sky Sports News.
“That’s his stadium. He built that. He made that stadium. Even if they called it the Emirates Arsene Wenger Stadium. He deserves to be on that.”
Smith added: “I go along with what Merse said. I think it’s a great shout – to name the stadium after him would be a fitting tribute.
“Obviously, clubs these days are unwilling to forego all of the millions that come with naming rights, but I think that would be fantastic.”
Smith is also hopeful that Arsenal can beat Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals and go on to win one last trophy for Wenger.
“Arsenal have only won a couple of European trophies in their history, so to do this would be a fitting end,” he said.
“You are going to see the stadium full for the home leg against Atletico. That might not have been the case if Arsene hadn’t decided to step down. The atmosphere will be fantastic I think.
“It’s going to be a celebration of the time at his club and that’s going to transfer to the pitch – you’d hope so.”
Keane is still our best striker by a mile, even at his age. He could well do what Totti has done and play until he’s 40. Let’s face it, we need him. Look at Doyle, people barely know where he plays now, not to mention he couldn’t even start for Wolves last seas on. Then we’ve Long, God knows the last time he even scored a goal. After that there’s a few more jokers such as Walters, Sammon and Cox. And yet no room for Sheridan. Baffling!
Everybody should have faith!! It’ll be tough but we can definitely get something out of this game…
Nicking a draw will be an absolute result for us.. COYBIG!
I moved to Germany in the summer and I’m going to the match on Tuesday. Can’t wait for it. Hopefully the lads can get a result, it will be tough but Germany are not up to speed yet after their WC win so no reason we can’t go out and do a job
Apart from maybe the German players, and their tactics!!
Yeah kev that’s the way Poland saw it too…..
I’d be fearful of a German backlash…!! If we could sneak a draw it’d be great.
I fear it will be the same as last time if we have ward on the pitch as a full back and mcgeady lacking the defensive capabilitirs to save his arse. . People looking for solace in the germans other games are stretching credulity. The scots had a tricky pacy striker who did the damage and the poles had a similar threat with the quality of lewandoski. I hope i am very wrong and lads stand up and play at a level they have not shown thus far .
Of course we wont have exactly the same scenario as at lansdowne 2 years ago but i think we will have enough of it to be worried against an angry german outfit.