Arsenal legends pay tribute to Wenger for he honoured as 'Legend of Football'

On Monday, Wenger - who remarkably managed Arsenal between the years of 1996 to 2018 - was honoured as a 'Legend of Football' at the annual Nordoff Robbins charity award dinner in London.

Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and fellow football greats have paid tribute to former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. 

Thierry Henry

"Boss, congratulations. Another honour, well deserved," the Frenchman said. "The game misses you, the Premier League misses you.

"But that's well deserved for you for what you have done for the game.

"An amazing achievement, hopefully we can see you around again one more time on the bench.

"For me that would be enough. What you have done for me, what you have done for Arsenal Football Club and the Premier League is second to none.

"Love you as always and enjoy the night."

Cesc Fabregas

"Hi boss, how are you? Another honour for you, I'm so happy to hear that, congratulations, " the Monaco midfielder said.

"For me you were my mentor, you mentored everything for me since I started my career in football so I know how much work you put in every single day. Days off don't exist for you.

"I'm so happy that you are recognised with all the things that you've done during all those years.

"Hopefully, it's not the end and we can see you very soon on the sidelines again managing wherever it is because football needs you, football misses you so much.

"I've always said and I still say it now to everyone - even to my kids now - that you were the one that gave me the real chance in a very difficult world which is football where people have no patience at all.

"You had it with me and so many others, we are so grateful, we will never forget and please come back soon, football misses you as I said. Love you so much and congratulations, have a great night, take care."

Ian Wright

"Hey boss, how are you doing? I know what you're thinking right now 'Oh my god, I love him so much, he was the greatest player I've ever managed'" Wright joked.

"Listen, I want to take this opportunity to - it's been bothering me for many, many years - say I'm sorry that I went through the marble halls on roller-blades and bumped into you.

"It wasn't very professional like you said, in fact you said [in a French accent] 'Ian, this is not acceptable', but hey you got me a Premier League medal and that's why I will love you forever.

"God bless, have a great night, take it easy."

Tony Adams

"Hi Arsene, congratulations mate on your lifetime achievement award," Adams said. "I've got to kind of sum it up in 30-45 seconds which is pretty much impossible [given] what you've given to the game of football.

"I just want to personally thank you for the wonderful six years that we had together at the Arsenal, I loved every minute of it.

"It's all in here (points to head) some wonderful memories, I loved every minute of it mate, you're an exceptional, exceptional human being and I wish you all the very best.

"Loads of love, Happy Gunners!"

Patrick Vieira

"Hello everyone, I'm sorry I can't be with you tonight to celebrate the great achievement of Arsene," Vieira said. "Arsene changed the game in England since he joined in 1996.

"I was really pleased an happy to be part of the Arsene revolution.

"I never had a chance to say thank you to the boss for his belief, his patience and good advice that he gave me throughout my career.

"So Arsene, boss, thank you very much."