Alex Ferguson pays classy tribute to ‘rival and friend’ Arsene Wenger

Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Arsene Wenger, who announced on Friday he would be leaving his position as Arsenal manager at the end of the season.

Ferguson had a strong rivalry with Wenger's Arsenal side while he was manager of Manchester United, with the two sides producing several memorable clashes. Speaking after Wenger had announced his 22-year run as the North London club's manager was drawing to a close, Ferguson issued a statement praising the Frenchman for his career.

"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger," Ferguson told United's official website. "I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal. "It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal. "I am pleased that he has announced he is leaving at this stage of the season, as he can now have the send-off that he truly deserves. He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."

Ferguson is expected to be in attendance when Wenger takes Arsenal to Old Trafford for the final time on April 29.