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Arsene Wenger presented with commemorative vase for 20th anniversary but fans unimpressed on Twitter

Frenchman receives gift in front of the assembled media as he previews Burnley test

The Arsenal boss has six FA Cups and three Premier League titles during his 20 years

ARSENE WENGER has been presented with a commemorative vase by Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick to honour his 20th anniversary at the club - but some fans are underwhelmed.

The Frenchman, 66, took charge on October 1 1996 and will celebrate the milestone with a visit to Burnley on Sunday.

 Wenger was presented with the vase by chairman Sir Chips Keswick
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Wenger was presented with the vase by chairman Sir Chips KeswickCredit: Getty Images
 Wenger was in good spirits ahead of game against Burnley on Sunday
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Wenger was in good spirits ahead of game against Burnley on SundayCredit: Getty Images

But for his services Wenger received a small crystal bowl - which was roundly mocked on social media.

And as well as the vase, journalists at the press conference were presented with special pens embossed with the club crest.

Gunners chairman Keswick said: "This is a very small thank you for 20 years of wonderful association to Arsenal football club and it is a present from the board and everyone on and off the pitch."

 The Arsenal boss has six FA Cups and three Premier League titles during his 20 years
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The Arsenal boss has six FA Cups and three Premier League titles during his 20 yearsCredit: Getty Images

Some fans and followers on Twitter however decided it was scant reward for Wenger's loyal service.

 

Wenger said: "It's a great honour, 20 years.

"It shows total commitment from the club and faith in me through good times and less good times, it is a great privilege especially in my job to last such a long time.

"Certainly my resilience and passion and certainly the faith of the board to keep by me, to stand by me.

"This club is brave and that's one of the values of the club that we have shown through the years. It is always the quality that came out through good and bad moments. We always fight together.

 Wenger's Invincible side of 2003/04
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Wenger's Invincible side of 2003/04Credit: PA:Press Association
 The Arsenal boss is looking to record his fourth successive Premier League win
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The Arsenal boss is looking to record his fourth successive Premier League winCredit: Getty Images

"At the moment, in recent games, we have combined style and efficiency. We want to continue that. We want to give pleasure to fans.

"I want to win absolutely everything and play the perfect game every game. That's my dream. I want fans to enjoy what they see."

Wenger was even asked whether he could see himself taking his reign at Arsenal up to a quarter of a century.

He said: "I don't know. I think I have one quality - a passion for the game - and another one, that I have a desire to be better than I was yesterday.

"The way I manage today is not the same as it was five years or 20 years ago.

"I rule nothing out because I want to work and I want to do well.

"I accept as well that it can finish tomorrow; it's a love story and a love story you expect to last forever but it can stop every day."

Users took to social media to question the vase and asked if Arsenal should've made a greater effort.


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