‘We’re like old boxers’ – Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger reveal how once bitter rivals have become close pals

SIR ALEX FERGUSON and Arsene Wenger have revealed how they have put the past behind them and become good friends.

The two former managers were fierce rivals during their years competing at Man United and Arsenal.

EPAArsene Wenger (left) and Sir Alex Ferguson (right) have revealed that they are no longer enemies[/caption]

Ferguson, 81, formerly of the Red Devils, has built up a dynasty at Old Trafford as his side as they won the inaugural Premier League title in 1992/93.

This was then followed by 12 more titles until he retired in 2012/13.

But he faced more competition after Wenger, 73, was appointed Arsenal manager in 1996.

He led the North London side to three league titles, including the club’s unbeaten season in the 2003/04 season.

The pair had plenty of bust-ups pitch side and were often playing mind games in their press conferences, but that is behind them now.

Ferguson has admitted that since their retirement they have started going for dinners and have even gone to a restaurant in Switzerland together.

After being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, Ferguson said: “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.

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“He is a really interesting man and I enjoy his company, but it is still my job to pick the wine!”

Wenger added this as he compared him and his old foe to “two old boxers” reminiscing over “old battles”.

He added: “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.”

The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have an exceptional record of success and have made a significant contribution to the Premier League since its inception in 1992.

PAFerguson and Wenger were inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame[/caption]

The former managers are the first from their role to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

On his award, Ferguson said: “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.

“My job was to send the fans home happy.

“United’s history and my own expectations were the things that drove me, and I then had to try and develop all my players with the same expectations and make sure we could go out and achieve them.”

PAThey are the first managers to be added to it in its history[/caption]

While Wenger added: “I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame.

“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.

“I’d like to be known as someone who loved Arsenal, who respected the values of the club and left it in a position where it can grow and become even bigger.”