Lee had said at the start of the season that this would be his last. But like Tony Adams his injury at the start of the season had made him less sure.

Lee reveals that he still hadn't made up his mind until Wenger spoke to him this week.

"The fact that I haven't missed selection in the squad since Christmas kept me going. However, the longer the season went on the more I realised I couldn't continue to play at the highest level for much longer. It is too much for my knee and ankle, but I needed someone who I totally respect to tell me it was time to call it a day."

This will presumably mean that Lee will get a game today, and then he'll bow out with the Tony Adams testimonial on Monday. Lee won 3 domestic doubles with Arsenal (including the cup double), 2 more championships, some more cups, and lots of friends. He always said he had no desire to play for anyone else.

One can't help wondering if there will be a similar announcement from Tony Adams on Monday.