Even those Arsenal fans that have been demanding Arsene Wenger leaves Arsenal for years feel a touch of sadness today.

Out of nowhere, Wenger revealed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season following his 22nd campaign in charge.

Without a league title since 2004, Wenger’s legacy might have been even greater had he left a few years ago.

After arriving at the Gunners in 1996, he turned them into regular title-challengers, often going head-to-head with Manchester United for Premier League glory.

And Wenger would no doubt have won a lot more than three league titles if it wasn’t for Sir Alex Ferguson.

United’s legendary boss was in charge of United four years longer than Wenger’s spell at Arsenal, leading them to 13 league titles of their own.

But despite having a bit of rivalry on the touchline for many years, Ferguson joined a long list of people wanting to pay tribute to Le Professeur after he announced he will be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season.

FERGUSON PAYS TRIBUTE TO WENGER

Speaking to United’s official website, Ferguson had some very kind words for Wenger.

"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger," he said. "I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal.  

"It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.

"I am pleased that he has announced he is leaving at this stage of the season, as he can now have the send-off that he truly deserves. 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."

How classy can you get?

It will certainly be strange seeing neither Ferguson or Wenger in the dugout when Arsenal face United next season.

Arsenal will just be hoping Wenger’s replacement fares better than Ferguson’s successor at United.

United are still looking for their first league title since Ferguson's retirement following the 2012/13 season...