Wenger Respects Fergie

A very rare phenomenon occurred today: I found myself agreeing with Arsene Wenger. Arsenal's Frenchman said 'I will miss our rivalry if he would leave. I don't believe there is another rivalry comparable to ours in English football.'

The latter statement is absolutely true and that's what made United v Arsenal games the most bitter, tense and enthralling encounters in the Premier League. Wenger knows this very much and for this, I should respect him just as he respects Fergie.

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,' he told France Football.

'I am happy he has decided to go on. I am happy because I know against who I have to fight.

'I know I will face a Manchester United team difficult to defeat.

I will miss our rivalry if he would leave. 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. Football is dear to his heart.'

A lot of things have been said in the press about their relationship but Wenger claims they never end up beating up each other when they somehow meet in the 'real world' (i.e. away from football)

'When we meet sometimes in an airport or Uefa meetings we don't fight! Those meetings are even funny,' he continued. 'When there is no match, we have exciting talks about football.

'There is no bitterness in our relationship. I don't know the man, but I respect the coach.'

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