Ex-Arsenal legend Lauren joins former Invincibles boss Wenger at FIFA
Ex-Arsenal star Lauren is working for his old boss Arsene Wenger again after taking up a job at Fifa.
The two-time Premier League winner, 44, has been appointed as a technical expert for talent development in Africa for the world football governing body.
In his new role, the former right-back will be tasked with making African football more competitive on the international stage.
Wenger, who managed Lauren for six years as Gunners boss, is Fifa’s current chief of global football development.
Invincibles star Lauren said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be taking up the role.
read also:How Stopira’s goal slowed down Eagles aggressive mood after Osimhen’s early lead
“I feel proud to be joining the Fifa family and there’s also a great sense of responsibility.”
If Lauren and Wenger can replicate their success together at Arsenal, their FIFA partnership should go well.
Lauren played 242 games for the Gunners spanning from 2000-07 and won two Prem titles with Wenger.
Wenger stayed on at the club for just over another decade, but reflecting on his time in North London, he reckons he should’ve quit sooner.
In an intimate self-titled documentary, coupled with the Invincible slogan, Wenger revealed that staying with Arsenal for so long was a mistake, and he now feels going on to manage one of the many big clubs who were chasing him at the time would’ve been the best option.
And as FIFA chief, Wenger’s also making waves in the football world with his plans for a World Cup every two years.
But the Frenchman’s idea hasn’t gone down too well with Premier League sides who unanimously voted against the project.
He’s also facing opposition from the other side of the continent as South American nations announced they won’t be taking part in a biennial World Cup.
However, Wenger has refused to let the idea die and called for a more ‘modern’ relationship between international and domestic football.