‘I loved our competition… we had some great times’: Sir Alex Ferguson leads tributes to old rival Arsene Wenger as Thierry Henry tells former Arsenal boss ‘the game misses you’
- Arsene Wenger was honored as a ‘Legend of Football’ on Monday night
- The tributes flooded in for Wenger, who managed Arsenal between 1996 – 2018
- Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira were among those to hail him
ByJonathan Spencer For Mailonline
Published:09: (EDT, 8 October)Updated:10: 12 EDT, 8 October 2019
Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and fellow football greats have paid tribute to formerArsenalbossArsene Wenger.
On Monday, Wenger – who remarkably managed Arsenal between the years of 1996 to 2018 – was honored as a ‘Legend of Football’ at the annual Nordoff Robbins charity award dinner inLondon.
Wenger was honored for his outstanding managerial career, which saw him claim threePremier Leaguetitles, achieve unprecedented Invincibles status during the 2003 – 04 season, and winning a record-breaking seven FA Cups while at Arsenal.
The tributes have flooded in from football legends for former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on his former rival: ‘I loved the competition against you’
Thierry Henry also sent the legendary French manager a special message before Monday night
WENGER’S HONORS
* Arsenal only: 1996 – 2018 *
Premier League (x3): 1997 – 98, 2001 – 02 & 2003 – 04
FA Cup (x7): 1997 – 98, 2001 – 02, 2002 – 03, 2004 – 05, 2013 – 14, 2014 – 15 & 2016 – 17
Co mmunity Shield (x7): 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2015 & 2017
He also enjoyed a brilliant and famous rivalry with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson as Arsenal and Manchester United battled it out for superiority in English football.
But speaking ahead of the charity event, Ferguson headed praise on his former rival and now good friend.
Ferguson said: ‘Hi Arsene, first of all, I am sorry I am not there tonight, I would have loved to have been there for you to be honored by Nordoff Robbins. It is a fantastic charity and I am really proud of you in taking part in it but most of all for the career you had as a manager at Arsenal, absolutely fantastic.
‘An absolute legend and that’s why it’s called Legends tonight. So once again, I loved the competition against you, we had some great times and it’s wonderful you are getting this award tonight. So good luck, my blessing with you. ‘
Patrick Vieira hailed Wenger for changing the face of English football on his arrival in 1996
Arsenal great Tony Adams also had his say ahead of the Nordoff Robbins charity award dinner
The tributes kept flooding in for Wenger, who is currently weighing up his options before stepping into management again.
Henry, who played under Wenger for eight years in north London, insisted the ‘game misses you’.
The former French striker said: ‘Boss, congratulations, another honor, well deserved. The game misses you, the Premier League misses you but that’s well deserved for you for what you’ve done for the game.
‘Hopefully we can see you around again one more time on the bench. But for me that would be enough. What you’ve done for me, done for Arsenal Football Club and the Premier League is second to none. Love you as always and enjoy the night. ‘
Ian Wright was just another name who flourished under Wenger in north London with Arsenal
Vieira, Wenger’s captain at Highbury between 2002 – 05, also hailed his former manager for changing the face of the game in England when he was appointed Arsenal boss in 1996.
The Frenchman added: ‘Hello everyone, I am sorry I can’t be with you tonight to celebrate the great achievement of Arsene. Arsene changed the game in England since he joined in 96. I was really pleased and happy to be part of the Arsene revolution.
‘I never had the chance to say thank you to the boss for his belief, his patience and good advice he gave me to my career. So Arsene, boss, thank you very much. ‘
Others who paid brilliant tributes to the legendary French manager included Arsenal greats Tony Adams and Ian Wright, as well as Cesc Fabregas.
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