Arsene Wenger’s foe-turned-friend Sir Alex Ferguson has paid his own tribute to the departing Arsenal boss.

Speaking on a momentous day the former enemy’s praise is perhaps the poignant from the flood of tributes.

The United legend who once had a bitter rivalry with the Gunners boss when both teams were at the top of the English game has hailed Wenger as ‘one of the greatest Premier League managers’.

The 68-year-old Frenchman will leave at the end of the season after nearly 22 years at the club, a year before his contract was due to expire.

Sir Alex said: “I am pleased he has announced he is leaving at this stage of the season as he can now have the send-off that he truly deserves,” said Ferguson, who won 13 league titles in 26 years at Old Trafford, before retiring in 2013.

“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.

“It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.”

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson paid tribute to his “professionalism, talent and determination”.