With the news Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season tributes have already been flooding in from the football world after what will soon be an end of an era.

Praise for the long-serving Frenchman started arriving moments after Arsenal and Wenger announced the news on Friday morning,

His first captain, the legendary Tony Adams, said: “Thanks for everything Arsene. Move over Herbert. Arsene Wenger is the greatest Arsenal manager.”

While former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman hailed the 68-year-old, saying: “Sad day for Arsenal with Arsene leaving. Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves”, while Sol Campbell just exclaimed ‘wow’ at the news.

Arsenal icon Bob Wilson – nearly in tears – described Wenger as, ‘The greatest manager in the history of Arsenal football club. He is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met.”

Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith tweeted: “A time to be thankful, a time to pay homage, a time to reminisce”, while Wenger’s arch-critic Pier Morgan twitter account shows a pinned tweet with him and Wenger, with the message: “The hottest love has the coldest end.”

Arsenal fans joined the tributes, season ticket holder @DarrenArsenal1 credited Wenger on his decision. “Goes to show the character of the man to do it early and allow the club to be in the best position for the new managers plans for next season. Thankyou Arsene.”

Fellow home and away Gooner, Paul Moody, tweeted: “I’ve grown up only knowing Arsene Wenger as manager. Everything he’s done for the football club and for English football is massive. Although it’s the right time to step down, it’s still brought goose bumps reading that he will leave. Thank you Arsene.”

While former Islington Gazette Arsenal reporter and a legend of Fleet Street, John Cross said: “Arsene Wenger is the greatest manager Arsenal have ever had and the biggest influence in the club’s history.”