Wenger, Pep lend support to Sir Alex

london — Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola both took time out from landmark moments in their own football careers to support Alex Ferguson as the legendary manager remained in intensive care after emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage.

Wenger and Scottish manager Ferguson battled for supremacy in the Premier League during the Frenchman’s first decade of a 22-year stay at Arsenal, which will come to a close at the end of the season.

However, they later became friends and Ferguson, 76, presented Wenger with a momento on his final visit to United’s Old Trafford ground as Arsenal manager just last weekend.

“I was with him on the pitch last week. I went to see him in the box after the game and he looked in a perfect shape,” said Wenger, who also started his farewell speech in his final home game as Arsenal boss at the Emirates on Sunday with well wishes for Ferguson.

“He told me he is doing a lot of exercise, and he looked very happy but that kind of accident can happen. We wish him all well and to recover very quickly. He is a strong man and an optimistic man.”

Sunday saw runaway winners Manchester City, United’s local rivals, receive the Premier League trophy as Guardiola added an English title to the Spanish and German ones he won in charge of Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively.

“All the Manchester City fans in the stadium, you cannot find one person who does not wish the best for an amazing person,” said Guardiola after City lifted the trophy following a goalless draw at home to Huddersfield.

Following Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, managers Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte also sent their best wishes. “When I heard the news yesterday I really couldn’t believe this could happen. He is absolutely the boss,” said Klopp. “I wish him the best.”

Italian manager Conte added: “I have had the chance to know him and his wife. I understand that this is a special person. Not a normal person.” News of Ferguson’s condition also had an impact beyond the world of football. — AFP