LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger of Manchester United and Arsenal respectively have become the first managers to be inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their achievements.
Sir Alex and Wenger won 16 Premier League titles between them and enjoyed a longstanding conflict.
Ex-Manchester United boss appeared to be ecstatic with the honour and opened up on his relationship with Wenger and how the two still meet up today.
“I’m truly delighted to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this.
“However, it’s not just about me as a person. It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players,” he said.
“I feel Arsène is a very worthy inductee as he transformed Arsenal Football Club fantastically. They became a tough team to compete with and we both wanted to win, which motivated us further.
“Through the years since retirement, we’d go for dinner together in a little restaurant he knows well in Switzerland. He is a really interesting man and I enjoy his company, but it is still my job to pick the wine!” Ferguson said.
The competition between the two legends has certainly subsided since their days in charge of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Wenger’s arrival in north London saw the Gunners challenge Manchester United’s dominance of the English game, with the Frenchman going to win three titles in his 22 seasons in charge.
Also, tensions boiled over on the pitch on several occasions, peaking in 2004 with the notorious incident at Old Trafford when United ended Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten record and pizza was flung at Sir Alex.
Sir Alex won the Premier League title on 13 occasions as Manchester United manager, nine more times than any other manager in Premier League history.
Arsenal have not won the Premier League since their last title under Wenger in 2003-04 but are in a strong position to end that drought this season.
The Gunners are on eight-point lead at the top of the table and return to action on Saturday, 1 April against Leeds United.