The Premier League Hall of Fame has inducted Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as the first-ever managers to receive this honour, according to The Athletic.
As the most successful manager in Premier League history, Ferguson, 81, has joined the club after helping Manchester United win 13 league titles during his trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford.
The renowned Scottish tactician dedicated his life to establishing the Red Devils as one of the world’s most famous and successful clubs before retiring from management in 2013.
Despite cutting ties with the three-time European champions a decade ago, Ferguson is still a permanent fixture at almost every Man United home game, testifying to his unparalleled love for this institution.
Ferguson’s induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame is a recognition of his historic achievements with the Red Devils, but he refuses to take all the credit.
“I’m truly delighted to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame,” Ferguson said. “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.”
Ferguson also seized the opportunity to congratulate his long-term rival Wenger for his success at Arsenal and his own introduction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
“I feel Arsene is a very worthy inductee as he transformed Arsenal Football Club fantastically,” he added.
“They became a tough team to compete with and we both wanted to win, which motivated us further.”
Like his ex-Man United counterpart, Wenger made history during his 22-year reign in north London, turning Arsenal into a force to be reckoned with before calling time on his managerial career in 2018.
Among numerous domestic titles he had amassed during his time as the Gunners manager, the history-defining 2003/04 Premier League title will always be the one to stand out.
Wenger, 73, did what no one before or after him could possibly imagine achieving, inspiring Arsenal to their famous ‘Invincible’ season to rightfully earn his place in the Premier League Hall of Fame selection.
The Frenchman, who has recently backed Arsenal to go all the way in the title race, refused to hide his satisfaction for picking up such a flattering award.
“I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame,” Wenger said.
“We always wanted to give something special to the fans and when you have players capable of remarkable things, the most important thing for me is the obligation of perfection.”
Wenger returned the favour to Ferguson by admitting how proud he is to be stepping into the Hall of Fame shoulder-to-shoulder with one of the Man Utd greats.
“To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me. It’s like two boxers – you fight like mad and go the distance together.
“At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.”
