Arsene Wenger gets emotional when talking about Everton stadium move – ‘it makes me think’
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has shared his views on Everton’s decision to leave Goodison Park and move to a new stadium
Coaching great Arsene Wenger believes Everton’s decision to leave Goodison Park is bittersweet. The former Arsenal manager has reflected on the parallels between Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.
On Sunday, the Blues will play at the iconic venue for the final time before making the move to their new arena at Bramley Moore dock.
It is set to be an emotional day for supporters who will go through the old turnstiles one last time. Everton have confirmed there will be celebrations after the game, with supporters encouraged to remain in their seats after the full-time whistle goes against Southampton.
READ MORE: Everton handed injury boost as David Moyes shares update before crucial summerREAD MORE: Dermot Gallagher shares new referee verdict after Everton VAR drama – ‘I applaud’While there will be undoubted sadness on Sunday, there will be excitement at what’s to come in the weeks ahead. The new stadium is spectacular and will open up new avenues to Everton that can enhance a potential return to the top level of English football.
That was something Wenger was all too aware of when the Gunners made the move and speaking to Sky Sports he gave his view on the contrasting emotions that Evertonians are likely to feel on Sunday.
“When I see that, it makes me think about Highbury disappearing, it’s another soul of English football which disappears,” he said.
“Of course, I understand it’s evolution – I pushed my club to build the Emirates – but it is sad as well because part of our history goes.
“Everton was a very intimidating ground. When we [Arsenal] built the new ground, to recreate the same atmosphere was impossible – the fact that you could shake hands with the fans when you took a corner is not there anymore, and we all miss that.”
Previously Wenger had claimed that Goodison Park “is a lot more aggressive” than Anfield and “one of the noisiest” he had coached at.
The 75-year-old, who is now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his time as Arsenal boss.
