The announcement itself could scarcely have been more understated. At 10am on this day precisely two years ago, Arsenal's official Twitter feed posted a link and the two simple words: 'Merci Arsène'.
Beneath what could be described as a stock photograph of the Frenchman, fans read a statement from their manager of 22 years saying that he felt the time was right to step down at the end of the season.
No doubt quite a few felt a lump in their throat and the tears welling up by the time they reached the part that read: 'To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.