As a mark of gratitude, Liberian international football icon-turned politician, President George Manneh Weah is on Friday expected to give one of Liberia’s highest honour to former Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger at the National Flag Day investiture ceremony in Monrovia.
Wenger, who arrived in Liberia for the first time on Thursday, will received the honour at the main Samuel Kanyo Doe Sport Complex in the Monrovia suburb of Paynesville.
Speaking on his arrival at the country’s only international airport, RIA, the President’s former Coach said: “Weah is a good example for the young players. He is about whatever you believe in, you can do it,” Wenger told his former team’s fans.
He told Journalists that he was not aware of the Award to be given to him on Friday.
Weah during his footballing days
“Look, I am not aware of that award; I am here to visit George, because I had promised to visit him. I don’t expect any honor in return,” Wenger said.
“My visit is all about visiting George because I promised to come to Liberia one day and [him] being President, I came to show him that respect as my former player.”
The French football coach served as coach for Weah, the only African to have been named World Player of the Yea. Wenger signed in Weah in 1988 while serving as Coach of the French team, Monaco.
Last May, Mr. Wenger left the British club, Arsenal after 22 years, nurtured several African stars.
Before his retirement from football in 2003, Weah won the World Best Footballer of the year back in the 1990.