Former Arsenal Manger, Arsene Wenger has been awarded Liberia’s highest honor by his former player now president, George Weah.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“In consideration of your numerous contributions to the cost of humanity, especially for the development of the youth of Africa, I George Manneh Weah, do hereby admit you [Arsene Wenger] into the Order of African Redemption, and confer upon you Knight Grand Commander,”[/perfectpullquote]
the citation read.
Wenger received the honor today, August 24, during the annual Flag Day celebration of the West African nation. Flag Day, an official public holiday, is a patriotic day paying homage to the country’s national emblem.
The holiday was first observed in an 1847 convention when the founding fathers approved the flag’s design along with establishing the new republic.
According to the citation read during the honoring ceremony, the 68-year-old French Coach will be remembered for his service to humanity by the impact he made throughout the promotion of many young people across the globe, particularly in Africa.
“You proved yourself as “The Teacher” when you revolutionized the approach of scouting players throughout the planet particularly, throughout Africa and the African Diaspora. With this approach, you recruited some of the finest soccer professionals the world may ever know, including the legendary World Best, European Best and Africa’s Best H.E Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia. Your positive role has not only impacted the professional success and personal life journey of many African football athletes, but also an entire generation of young Liberians who follow president Weah as a mentor for which you have won a special place in the hearts of many Liberians. You will always be remembered for your service to humanity by the immense impact you made throughout the promotion of many young people across the globe, particularly in Africa on the international sports scene.”
He was honored alongside Claude Le Roy who recommended Weah to Wenger as coach of AS Monaco, former Liberia national team coaches Frank Jericho Nagbe, Vava George, and former Ghanaian president John Kufuor’s contributions toward making the world a better place.
Among the many African players coached by Wenger, Weah was his most outstanding prodigy. He reached the pinnacle of the beautiful game—winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or, European Best and African Best thrice.
The FIFA 1995 Ballon d’Or winner was scouted by coach Wenger in 1988. His signing of Weah was part of his quest to defend his Ligue1 title won during his debut season with A.S Monaco. Through Wenger’s discovery, Weah rose to stardom and became the first African player to win the most prestigious individual award and has always regarded Wenger as a “father figure.”
Image: EPA
