Thousands line up in Liberia to recieve Arsene Wenger – Photos
Sports
By
Mirror
| Aug 23, 2018
Arsene Wenger arrived in Liberia on Wednesday evening, with the ex-Arsenal boss set to be handed the country's highest honour from president George Weah.
Wenger, who ended his 22-year association with the Gunners in May, will be inducted into Liberia's Order of Distinction.
It comes after Weah, the former World Footballer of the Year who was elected as his country's leader last year in a landslide victory, decided to honour both Wenger and another coach, Claude Le Roy.
Wenger, 68, was given a warm welcome when he touched down in the town of Harbel shortly after 9 pm, and is set to become a Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption.
According to information minister Eugene Nagbe, the Frenchman has been awarded the distinction because he "has contributed to sports in Africa and has given many Africans opportunities"
READ MORE
Kenya's Esports star Bilal clinches historic victory at African Championship in Nigeria
UN General Assembly declares 2026 as int'l year of women farmers
Harness nuclear science to quench thirst of water-starved populations
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
About 420 families face eviction from disputed 63-acre prime land
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
Judge extends orders on Sh4.6 billion land as woman distances herself from invasion
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
Le Roy discovered Weah when operating as Cameroon manager in the late 1980s.
Upon Le Roy's recommendation, Wenger signed Weah when manager of Monaco in 1988, paying Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaounde £12,000 for the striker.
Weah, now 51, has labelled Wenger as one of the most important men in his career.
In a 2007 interview with the Telegraph, Weah stated: "Arsene Wenger made me not just the player I am today but the man I am."
The award ceremony will take place in the country's capital, Monrovia, on Friday.
However, Weah's decision to honour Wenger has been widely-criticised by his government's opposition.
MP Darius Dillon said: “The nation's highest honour cannot be given to somebody who has not done something directly for the country.”
- How your Sh26 daily has lifted Safaricom's earnings to Sh329b
- UK tea giant Lipton to sell 15pc stake to local farmers in deal