Thousands line up in Liberia to meet Arsene Wenger - Photos

Thousands line up to receive Wenger [COURTESY]

Wenger arrived in Liberia on Wednesday evening

It comes after Weah, the former World Footballer of the Year who was elected as his country's leader last year in a landslide victory, decided to honour both Wenger and another coach, Claude Le Roy.

He was given a warm welcome when he touched down in the town of Harbel

Wenger, 68, was given a warm welcome when he touched down in the town of Harbel shortly after 9 pm, and is set to become a Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption.

According to information minister Eugene Nagbe, the Frenchman has been awarded the distinction because he "has contributed to sports in Africa and has given many Africans opportunities"

Le Roy discovered Weah when operating as Cameroon manager in the late 1980s.

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Upon Le Roy's recommendation, Wenger signed Weah when manager of Monaco in 1988, paying Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaounde £12,000 for the striker.

Weah, now 51, has labelled Wenger as one of the most important men in his career.

In a 2007 interview with the Telegraph, Weah stated: "Arsene Wenger made me not just the player I am today but the man I am."

Weah has labelled Wenger as one of the most important men in his career

The award ceremony will take place in the country's capital, Monrovia, on Friday.

However, Weah's decision to honour Wenger has been widely-criticised by his government's opposition.

MP Darius Dillon said: “The nation's highest honour cannot be given to somebody who has not done something directly for the country.”