Monrovia – Liberia’s President George has congratulated his former coach Arsense Wenger for his new position at the Federation of International Football Association.
The former Arsenal manager was appointed as FIFA’S Chief of Global Football Development, his first job since leaving the English side two years ago.
The Frenchman built a strong reputation for his forward-thinking style of play and for developing young players as a manager, and in his new position Wenger will be tasked with “driving growth” for men and women across the globe.
FIFA says Wenger will also be considered a “leading authority on technical matters” as a member of the Football and Technical Advisory Panels, taking part in the decision-making processes of potential law changes in the sport.
Much of Wenger’s role, according to FIFA, will involve focus on coaching education and a programme that is set to encourage former players to become managers.
Speaking about his new position Wenger said: “I very much look forward to taking on this extremely important challenge, not only because I have always been interested in analysing football from a broader perspective, but also because FIFA’s mission as world football’s governing body is truly global.
“I believe that the new FIFA we have seen emerging in recent years has the sport itself at the very heart of its objectives and is determined to develop the game in its many different components. I know I can contribute to this objective and will put all my energy into this.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is convinced Wenger’s experience makes him one of the sport’s brightest minds and believes his hiring is proof of the organisation’s dedication to football after courting controversy for many years.
“Arsene Wenger’s profound knowledge and passion for the different aspects of our game sets him apart as one of the most respected personalities in football,” Infantino said.
President Weah who worked with Wenger at AS Monaco said the new position of Wenger is special to him because of the Frenchman role played in his career and his passion for the game of football.
The former world and African player of the year took to social media to extend his congratulatory message to his first coach in Europe.
The Liberian Chief Patron of Sports wrote “I wish to congratulate Coach Arsene Wenger on his new role with FIFA as “Chief of Global Football Development.” This development is special to me because of the vital role he played in my professional career as a former soccer player, but more importantly, I am thrilled because of his passion for the game and the vast knowledge that he brings to the fore. I believe this is a great decision for the enhancement of the game, and I have no doubt that he will serve with utmost probity and distinction.”
In August of 2018 the Liberian leader as gratitude to Wenger bestowed the country’s highest honor on Arsene Wenger, even though some members opposition political parties said the former AS Monaco FC and Arsenal Football Club manager did little to deserve a national award.
Wenger, 68, was bequeathed the title of Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption for “his revolutionary role in the recruitment of the finest footballers,” He made an “enormous contribution to humanity, especially for the development of the youth of Africa.”
How Weah met Wenger
After playing in the Liberian domestic league at the beginning of his successful career and winning several national honours (including the Liberia Premier League and the Liberia Cup Weah’s abilities were discovered by the Cameroon national team coach, Claude Le Roy who relayed the news to Arsene Wenger.
Weah moved to Europe in 1988, for just £12,000 from Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaounde when he was signed by Wenger the manager of Monaco at the time – who flew to Africa himself prior to the signing, and whom Weah credits as an important influence on his career. During his time with Monaco, Weah won the African Football of the Year for the first time in 1989; this was his first major award and he took it back home for the entire country to celebrate. Weah also won the Coupe de France in 1991, and he helped Monaco reach the final of the European cup winner’s cup in 1992, scoring four goals in nine cup appearances.