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Arsene Wenger invited to George Weah’s inauguration as Liberia’s president
Arsene Wenger, who signed George Weah when he was Monaco coach in 1988, expects to be too busy with the Premier League season at Arsenal to make the trip from London for the Jan. 22 ceremony in Liberia.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has been invited to former footballer George Weah’s inauguration as Liberia’s president.
But Wenger, who signed Weah when he was Monaco coach in 1988, expects to be too busy to make the trip from London for the Jan. 22 ceremony.
Weah, a former FIFA World Player of the Year, was elected president last week in Liberia’s first democratic transfer of power in more than 70 years.
Wenger says “it’s down to the fact that one thing that was common in George’s attitude is being strong mentally, absolutely unbelievably convinced that he has a mission.”
Wenger recalled Weah “crying when war was on in Liberia,” and added “this guy is an example for everybody who plays football.”
‘His life is like a film’
Wenger spoke glowingly of Weah.
Although Weah left Wenger and Monaco, he often credited the coach with having a significant influence on his career.
Weah went on to play for AC Milan in 1995, becoming the first non-European to win the Ballon d’Or and establishing himself as one of the finest African footballers in history.
He took the road less travelled upon retirement, though, as he headed into politics, and was successfully elected as the next Liberian president in December, with Wenger – who has been invited to the inauguration on January 22 – thrilled for the 51-year-old.
“I have been invited by George to come the day when he will be made president,” Wenger told reporters on Friday.
“When you look at his life, the life of this guy is a real film. It can make a fantastic film.
“I remember seeing him for first time in Monaco, looking a bit lost, knowing no one, not being rated by anyone, but then becoming the best player in the world and today becoming president of his country.
“It’s unbelievable. He was always strong mentally, convinced he was on a mission. I saw how much he suffered for his country during the war when he was at Monaco.
“He had such love and care for his people. I didn’t think during that time that he’d become president, but I’ve seen him crying when there was war in Liberia.
“It’s a happy story and I hope he does well, he is an example to every footballer.”
