Arsene Wenger has agreed to a new two-year deal to stay as manager of Arsenal, the club confirmed.
Speculation about the future of the French has been widespread in recent months, but despite a backlash of supporters, he joined the club with a new deal that will extend his reign to nearly 23 years.
Wenger, 67, came to criticize after a series of seven defeats in 12 games, the Gunners left the race for the Premier League and suffered a humiliation in the Champions League when they were beaten 10 -2 by Bayern Munich.
But it was confirmed Wednesday afternoon that he will remain in his role until at least 2019.
"Arsenal Football Club and Arsene Wenger have agreed to a two-year extension of his contract as a manager," a statement on the Arsenal website said.
"Arsène and Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis conducted a comprehensive review of our on and off-site activities to identify areas for improvement to meet a sustained challenge."
Wenger said he was optimistic for the future and said that work was underway to plan a title challenge next season - with Arsenal not having lifted the Premier League trophy in 13 years.
"I love this club and I look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm," said the Frenchman. "We look at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.
"This is a strong group of players and with a few additions we can have even more success. We are determined to mount a sustained league challenge and this will be our focus this summer and season next.
"I am grateful for the support of the board and (majority owner) Stan (Kroenke) in doing all we can to win more trophies. That's what we all want and I know that's what our Fans around the world ask ".
Despite protests to force Wenger to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, a three-man defense tactic saw Arsenal win nine of his last 10 campaign games, which resulted in the final victory of Saturday 2-1 FA Cup on Chelsea.
Wenger now holds a record seven FA cup wins, with Arsenal the most successful team in the competition having raised the trophy at least 13 times.
But it is in the league and on the European stage where Wenger and his team have struggled - finishing fifth last season and disappeared for Champions League football for the first time since 1998.
They also ended the campaign behind North London's Tottenham rival, ending a 22-year-old dominance over their neighbors.
All of this fueled protests against Wenger, with pre-match marches, aircraft carrying anti-Wenger banners on land, boycotts and banners posted in recent months.
But the board did not close those pressures and supported the man who has delivered three Premier League titles since its resumption in 1996.
Wenger had previously admitted that persistent uncertainty has resulted in an "absolutely horrible" environment at the club this season and has contributed to their sterile race.
The majority owner of Arsenal Stan Kroenke, who rejected a tender offer from the Russian billionaire and minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov last week, hailed Wenger as the best man for the job as he also targeted more 'silverware.
"Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe," he said.
"That's what fans, players, staff, managers and council are waiting for and we will not rest until that is achieved.
"Arsene is the best person to help us make this happen. He has a fantastic record and has our full support."
The "comprehensive review" conducted by Wenger and Gazidis is likely to have involved conversations on the restructuring of the club's back department.
Wenger has always insisted that he would never work with a football manager and it remains to be seen if one of his coaching members is replaced.
Gazidis himself said the club was in the right place to challenge next season.
"There is no complacency everywhere in this club," he said.
"Our goal is to compete for and win trophies here and in Europe. Everything we do is designed to make this happen and we will work hard on the pitch this summer to improve and make a strong challenge next season .
"The club has grown beyond recognition in all aspects in recent years and we have the platform to succeed and meet the ambitions that we and our fans share."
Speculation about the future of the French has been widespread in recent months, but despite a backlash of supporters, he joined the club with a new deal that will extend his reign to nearly 23 years.
Wenger, 67, came to criticize after a series of seven defeats in 12 games, the Gunners left the race for the Premier League and suffered a humiliation in the Champions League when they were beaten 10 -2 by Bayern Munich.
But it was confirmed Wednesday afternoon that he will remain in his role until at least 2019.
"Arsenal Football Club and Arsene Wenger have agreed to a two-year extension of his contract as a manager," a statement on the Arsenal website said.
"Arsène and Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis conducted a comprehensive review of our on and off-site activities to identify areas for improvement to meet a sustained challenge."
Wenger said he was optimistic for the future and said that work was underway to plan a title challenge next season - with Arsenal not having lifted the Premier League trophy in 13 years.
"I love this club and I look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm," said the Frenchman. "We look at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.
"This is a strong group of players and with a few additions we can have even more success. We are determined to mount a sustained league challenge and this will be our focus this summer and season next.
"I am grateful for the support of the board and (majority owner) Stan (Kroenke) in doing all we can to win more trophies. That's what we all want and I know that's what our Fans around the world ask ".
Despite protests to force Wenger to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, a three-man defense tactic saw Arsenal win nine of his last 10 campaign games, which resulted in the final victory of Saturday 2-1 FA Cup on Chelsea.
Wenger now holds a record seven FA cup wins, with Arsenal the most successful team in the competition having raised the trophy at least 13 times.
But it is in the league and on the European stage where Wenger and his team have struggled - finishing fifth last season and disappeared for Champions League football for the first time since 1998.
They also ended the campaign behind North London's Tottenham rival, ending a 22-year-old dominance over their neighbors.
All of this fueled protests against Wenger, with pre-match marches, aircraft carrying anti-Wenger banners on land, boycotts and banners posted in recent months.
But the board did not close those pressures and supported the man who has delivered three Premier League titles since its resumption in 1996.
Wenger had previously admitted that persistent uncertainty has resulted in an "absolutely horrible" environment at the club this season and has contributed to their sterile race.
The majority owner of Arsenal Stan Kroenke, who rejected a tender offer from the Russian billionaire and minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov last week, hailed Wenger as the best man for the job as he also targeted more 'silverware.
"Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe," he said.
"That's what fans, players, staff, managers and council are waiting for and we will not rest until that is achieved.
"Arsene is the best person to help us make this happen. He has a fantastic record and has our full support."
The "comprehensive review" conducted by Wenger and Gazidis is likely to have involved conversations on the restructuring of the club's back department.
Wenger has always insisted that he would never work with a football manager and it remains to be seen if one of his coaching members is replaced.
Gazidis himself said the club was in the right place to challenge next season.
"There is no complacency everywhere in this club," he said.
"Our goal is to compete for and win trophies here and in Europe. Everything we do is designed to make this happen and we will work hard on the pitch this summer to improve and make a strong challenge next season .
"The club has grown beyond recognition in all aspects in recent years and we have the platform to succeed and meet the ambitions that we and our fans share."
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