Arsenal fans demand Arsene Wenger ‘comes home’ to club as new chairman after Sir Chips Keswick retires aged 80

ARSENAL fans have called for Arsene Wenger to "come home" as the club's new chairman after Sir Chips Keswick announced his retirement.

Lifelong fan Sir Chips, 80, stood down today after 15 years on the club's board.

And almost as soon as it was announced, Arsenal supporters took to social media to demand a return of Wenger.

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Funny, really, considering how vociferous the Wenger Out movement was during the French legend's final few years in North London.

Still, in reply to one tweet asking if Arsenal fans would have Wenger back, one joked: "I would even take him as a player."

Another posted: "That shouldn't be a question. We need him there at our club."

A fellow supporter wrote: "He's got the eye to spot crazy talented youngsters, he understands the club more than anyone."

Another reply read: "Hundred percent but he’d never do it."

Some disagreed however, with one stating: "Think the club needs a good long break from Wenger if I’m honest.

"We’re just starting to move on into the future of Arsenal. It’s going to take time but I believe introducing Wenger back into the club would be stepping into the past."

Wenger, 70, left Arsenal in May 2018 after spearheading the club for 22 years and took up the role of head of global football at Fifa in November last year.

But it seems fans will be disappointed anyway after owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement that there will be no new additions to the board.

A statement on the Arsenal website read: "Moving forward the board will be composed of Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke, Lord Harris and Ken Friar."

Speaking of his departure, Sir Chips, a former chairman of Hambros Bank and director of the Bank of England, said: "It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club.

"Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.

"I made my plan to retire at the end of this season clear to the board, before the global health crisis we are now experiencing. The club is in safe hands with Stan and Josh, the board and the executive team.

"I know Arsenal will emerge strongly from this situation and I look forward, like all our supporters around the world, to seeing the team in action as soon as possible."