WENGER GETS EMOTIONAL

Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, are always depicted as the bitterest of enemies, but Wenger has revealed that he will miss Ferguson when he finally takes his leave of Old Trafford.

Wenger still regards their rivalry as the greatest in the English game — a possible swipe at José Mourinho, who arrived in the Barclays Premiership a little over two seasons ago, while Ferguson and Wenger have been sparring for ten years.

“I will miss our rivalry if he would leave,” Wenger told France Football, the magazine. “I don't believe there is another rivalry comparable to ours in English football. Our mental duels keep me awake. His only weakness is to believe he has no weakness.”

Ferguson has already announced and postponed one retirement, and, at 64, is closing in on the milestone of 20 years in charge of United. That, to Wenger, counts as “an addiction”, although he claims that he welcomes the Scot's refusal to give up.

“I believe it would be very difficult for him to quit football, because it is an addiction when you stay in that sport so long,” Wenger said. “I am happy he has decided to go on because I know against whom I have to fight. I know I will face a Manchester United team difficult to defeat.”

It may also disappoint some to learn that the relationship between the two is not as poisonous as has been made out, especially when their meetings occur away from players' tunnels and flying pizza.

“When we meet in an airport or Uefa meetings we don't fight,” Wenger said. “Those meetings are even funny. When there is no match, we have exciting talks about football. There is no bitterness. I don't know the man, but I respect the coach.”