Tributes have poured in for Arsenal legend Pat Rice, who will step down as assistant manager to Arsene Wenger after Sunday's Premier League match at West Bromwich Albion.
Rice will end a 44-year association with the club, which has taken in distinguished careers as both a player and a coach.
He first joined as a youth team member back in 1964 and was part of the club's double-winning side in 1971, before he captained the club to FA Cup glory in 1979 against Manchester United. He made 528 appearances for the Gunners across 14 seasons.
FORMER GUNNER EMMANUEL EBOUE TWEETED HIS BEST REGARDS
Rice returned to Highbury as youth team coach, winning two FA Youth Cups in 1988 and 1994, before he took up a senior coaching role when Arsène Wenger arrived in 1996.
The 63-year-old has helped Wenger guide the club to seven major honours - three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, including two domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002.
CELEBRATING AGAINST BARCA
Wenger said: “Pat is a true Arsenal legend and has committed almost his whole life to Arsenal Football Club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion to this Club.
“Pat has been amazing for me over the past 16 years. When I first arrived at Arsenal, Pat was always there and taught me so much about this great club. I will always be indebted to him for his expert insight into Arsenal and football as a whole. On the training pitches and on matchdays, Pat has always been a passionate, loyal and insightful colleague, who we will all miss.
RICE IN HIS POMP
“Thank you Pat, we’ll miss you and all of us wish you and your family the best of health and happiness for the future. Although, we’ll still see Pat a lot, as I know he’s planning to come to all the home matches as a supporter!”
Last night Rice enjoyed a farewell barbeque with Wenger and the first team squad. Ex-Arsenal defender Steve Bould has been confirmed to take over from him as number two to Wenger.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE SHARED A SNAP OF THE NIGHT
PAT AND ARSENE