For the brave, nothing is too difficult.

Arsene announces Arsenal exit

Arsene Wenger announced his departure from Arsenal today. The Frenchman has called time on a glittering career with the Gunners. During his seventeen year reign, Wenger revolutionised the London club, cultivating an admired form of attacking football, while leaving his imprint off the pitch with the clubs world class training facilities and stadium.

The gathered press were shocked by the announcement, one which has circled around the Emirates for the last few seasons. Rumours of his departure, replacement or sacking have all been heard, but never came true, until today. 'I believe it is the right time to go.' Wenger said today. 'Arsenal are my true love, sometimes you have to do the right thing for the person you love, even if it is difficult.

'The easy option would be to remain at the club. The board want me to stay, I want to stay, some of the fans might even want me to stay. But you have to do the right thing for the things you love. It has been a difficult nine years, not winning a trophy has been hard, especially when I've seen ho hard my players have worked. I believe that a new manager is needed, someone new who can come into the club with a fresh pair of eyes to remedy the situation.'

Wenger, when asked about his replacement, admitted the board had sought his recommendations. 'The board asked my opinion, I gave them it. I have given them a few names, all managers I rate highly. Now, it is down to them to pick their replacement, I have total confidence that the board will find the right man for the job.' Although the Frenchman would not reveal the names of his recommendations.

Football has not lost a second great manager, after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Wenger will remain within football. 'I could have stayed as a director of football, it was a very enticing offer, but again it was an easy option and an unfair one. I believe whoever the next manager is should have the same freedom I have had, when it came to footballing matters at Arsenal.

'I will continue in football management, where or when that is, I don't know.'

Ivan Gazidis, released the clubs official statement on Arsenal.com stating: 'This is a sad day in Arsenal's history, we have lost our most successful manager. Arsene's legacy will always remain with Arsenal, even if he is not with us. The Emirates stadium was only conceivable because of his successes on the pitch. Our world class training facilities at London Colney, are his vision and his creation.

'Future managers, players and staff will all benefit from the relentless hard work that Arsene has put into this club. His love for the club is obvious and we can only hope he feels the same from the Arsenal family. Luckily, he will continue in football, so the footballing community can continue to enjoy the true genius of one of footballs greatest ever managers. We wish him all the best, he is of course always welcome to come home to the Emirates Stadium.'

Arsenal have also announced plans to build an Arsene Wenger statue. It will join the statues of Herbert Chapman, Thierry Henry and Tony Adams which currently sit outside the clubs stadium.

Arsene Wenger's career
1996: Wenger arrives from Japanese side, Nagoya, a relative unknown. His arrival prompted the now famous Fergie comment, 'He's a novice - he should keep his opinions to Japanese football.'
1998: Wenger leads Arsenal to a Premier League and FA Cup double.
2002: Wenger completes a second Premier League and FA Cup double.
2003: A third FA Cup victory for the Frenchman.
2004: The 'Invincibles' season. Arsenal went undefeated for an entire season en route to claiming the Premiership title.
2005: Another FA Cup victory, Arsene's last major silverware as Arsenal manager.
2006: Arsenal make it to their first ever Champions League final, they were beaten narrowly by Barcelona 2-1.
2013: Wenger announces his departure from Arsenal.

Laudrup made favourite to replace Wenger

Arsene Wenger has barely had time to clear out his office before the bookies have compiled a list of favourites to replace him. Leading the charge is Michael Laudrup, installed today as the bookies favourite.

Bookies Odds
Michael Laudrup 2/1
Remi Garde 6/1
Laurent Blanc 7/1
Dragan Stojkovic 10/1
Jurgen Klopp 20/1
Steve Bould 50/1
Thierry Henry 100/1

The leading four contenders by odds, Laudrup, Garde, Blanc and Stojkovic are thought to be the names Wenger gave the board when asked for recommendations on his replacement. Jurgen Klopp is an outsider, although the German is unlikely to leave Dortmound. Steve Bould, the current assistant joins club legend Thierry Henry as longshots for the job.

Michael Laudrup
The Dane gained many plaudits after his first season in England. His exciting attacking football wasn't just easy on the eye but devastating. Laudrup led the Welsh team to Wembley, claiming the Capital One cup in the process. Thought to be the boards preferred candidate, due to his experience in England and ethos of attacking attractive football.

Remi Garde
The former Arsenal player is currently managing Ligue 1 giants Lyon. Garde took up the job in 2011 after leading the clubs academy. Well respected by Wenger, his lack of management experience in England may prove his undoing.

Laurent Blanc
Since Wenger left Arsenal, Blanc has slipped out of the front-running for the PSG job, left vacant by Carlo Ancelotti's move to Real Madrid. Blanc impressed at Bordeux, claiming the Ligue 1 title, before he took up the national job. Blanc departed after he was keen to return to club football.

Dragan Stojkovic
Stojkovic played under Wenger at Japanese side Nagoya, the team he now manages. While he is highly rated by Wenger, the board are reportedly unwilling to hand the reins over to a manager with no management experience outside of Japan. In this instant, the board may not trust in Wenger.

I like what you have done making BBC Sport articles for Football Manager related scenarios. Cant seem to notice, who are you managing mate?

Love the strat dude. Good luck with this.