Top 5 Arsenal players who flourished under Arsene Wenger

20 consecutive years in the Champions League, 3 Premier League trophies, 7 FA Cups, and 7 Community Shields are the honours won by the outgoing Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, during a 22-year spell at the London club.

A new style, vision, and approach were brought to the English top flight in 1996 by the Frenchman nicknamed Le Professeur. Wenger immediately crafted an Arsenal side that challenged for trophies. However, as his career went on, the change of stadiums affected both the club and the manager.

After 22 years of service, the Frenchman decided to call time on his career with the club. We take a look at five players who flourished under the Frenchman during his reign as Arsenal manager.

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#5 Robert Pires

Robert Pires

French winger Robert Pires arrived on English shores in the summer of 2000, having played a part in France's World Cup and European Championship successes of 1998 and 2000.

Pires joined the Gunners with ambition and a serial winner's attitude. Despite a lengthy injury spell to his start at the club, he maintained his form over a six-year spell at the club which saw him score 84 goals, some of them very memorable, as he played his part in one of the most successful periods in Arsenal's history.

A tricky right-footed left winger, Pires had a quick turn, pace, vision and on the ball ability. The Frenchman delighted audiences in England and struck up one of the most lethal attacking combinations with Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

Pires enjoyed a fruitful spell at the club and is still connected to the London club in an ambassadorial role.

#4 Sol Campbell

Campbell in action for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League

In 2001, Arsene Wenger completed and signed Sol Campbell on a free transfer from rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what remains one of the most controversial transfer moves in the history of the Premier League.

Campbell spent more than a decade at Spurs before joining Arsenal. The England international surprised the footballing world with the move but his decision, and that of Wenger to poach a player from the club's fierce local rivals, would be vindicated as he was a pivotal part of the Invincibles' unbeaten defence.

The centre-back was instrumental in the club's run to their only UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2006. The Englishman won 73 caps for England and remains one of the best defenders the country has ever produced.

While he might be one of the most controversial signings, he was also one of the most important signings Wenger has made.

#3 Patrick Vieira

The captain and manager in conversation

Patrick Vieira joined the club from AC Milan technically in the closing days of Bruce Rioch's time in charge as manager just before Wenger took the reins in October 1996 at Highbury. But it was his idea to bring him there before he joined up in October.

A fierce competitor and combative central midfield force, Vieira later went on to admit it was Wenger's impending arrival which saw him join a club he would go on to captain.

The Frenchman spent nearly a decade at the club winning multiple honours and also lead the club during the 2003/04 Invincibles campaign.

His tough-tackling, full-blooded approach won many admirers and earned more than the odd red card but is widely regarded as a Premier League legend while his midfield runs saw him score quite a few goals.

Patrick Viera also claimed honours with France and is currently the manager of New York City FC. Reports suggest Wenger has tipped his fellow Frenchman Vieira for the role to replace him.

Although the former Gunners captain will manage a Premier League club in the future, it is unlikely he will replace Wenger as manager.

#2 Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp with the Goal of the Season award

After spending seven fruitful seasons at Ajax and then two years at Inter Milan, Dennis Bergkamp joined the Gunners in 1995 under Bruce Rioch. He went on to spend 11 years at the club and the Dutchman later admitted it was never his intention to stay that long but it just clicked.

One of the most skillful and talented players to ever grace the football field, Dennis Bergkamp is known the world over for his mesmerising skills and ability.

The player was unique and read the game better than anybody else. The Non-Flying Dutchman was superior to most in terms of technical ability which made up for his lack of pace.

A goalscorer and creator, Bergkamp has left us some truly inspiring footage and memories. The former Gunner began his coaching career as an assistant in Ajax in 2011 and worked at the club for six seasons learning his craft like he did decades before as a player.

#1 Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry even managed to net a goal on his Arsenal return

The most obvious inclusion up front is Thierry Henry. The France forward is Arsenal's all-time leading scorer, having notched 228 goals across two spells with the club.

The leading figure at the club for eight years, Henry also captained the club for a couple of seasons. It was after a disappointing stint at Juventus in 1997, Henry joined Arsenal and compatriot Wenger in London and was converted into an out-and-out striker from a winger.

The then-young French striker would never look back and became one of the most lethal forwards in English football. Henry was often the Premier League's top goalscorer and won four Golden Boots and also won seven trophies with the Gunners.

Currently a pundit in England and the assistant coach for the Belgian national side, Henry does intend to enter the managerial sphere in the future. The Frenchman has a statue outside the Emirates stadium for his achievements and is always adored by the Gunners faithful.