The Arsenal duo were reunited at Wembley on Thursday night.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was photographed at Wembley last night sitting beside the man with whom he enjoyed so much early success in North London.
David Dein, the club’s former vice-chairman, brought a then-unknown Wenger to Arsenal in 1996 and the duo have remained close ever since.
The 72-year-old quit his role on the Gunners’ board in 2007 and, maybe tellingly, Arsenal – whose last league title was in 2004 – have not won the Premier League since his untimely departure nine years ago.
There is a school of thought which suggests that the North Londoners would not have endured this 12-year title drought had Dein stayed around, based on how well he worked alongside Wenger.
In any case, the image is sure to remind Arsenal fans of the glory days between 1996 and 2005, in which Wenger delivered seven trophies working under Dein – three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups.
The Frenchman has managed a meagre two FA Cups since that, but the landscape of English football has shifted dramatically, with Chelsea and Manchester City emerging as powerhouses.
Wenger, whose side finished second behind Leicester City this past season in a campaign which saw frustrations reach boiling point at the Emirates, will celebrate 20 years in charge of Arsenal in September.
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