Daniel Farke paid his own personal tribute to Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman announced his pending exit from Arsenal.

Farke's Norwich City pushed the Gunners all the way earlier this season in the League Cup before being edged out in extra-time at the Emirates in front of a 9,000 strong travelling support.

'For nearly each and every young coach who wants to develop he is a role model.

'It is extraordinary what he did at Arsenal, unbelievable success,' said Farke.

'Sadly it is not possible in these modern times to stay so long, well beyond the short term, and work on structural things.

'When I thought about Arsenal a few years ago they were also a role model in terms of the style of play.

'The football was so beautiful. You can't praise him enough what he did.

'We had a brilliant long chat after the League Cup game.

'I don't know if he was being honest but he told me for 15 years he didn't have a day off.

'Now I have had the odd day off, so maybe that is the secret of success, I have to work some more.

'I hope for him he has a few wins now because he totally deserves it.'

Farke was one of a number of Wenger's managerial contemporaries past and present to acknowledge his 22-year reign in north London.

Sir Alex Ferguson called the Frenchman 'without doubt one of the greatest Premier League managers'.

'I am really happy for Arsene Wenger,' Ferguson told ManUtd.com.

'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.'

Wenger's greatest achievement for many was being at the helm of the 2003/04 'Invincibles', who won the league and went through an entire campaign unbeaten.

League Managers' Association chairman Howard Wilkinson lauded his impact on these shores.

'Arsene Wenger is without question one of the most significant managers to have graced the game of professional football here in England,' Wilkinson said.

'From his arrival at Arsenal, it was patently clear that here was someone with tremendous foresight, fortitude and imagination.

'A man of high principles, he was never prepared to compromise his beliefs and, in so doing, he enhanced the history and reputation of one of the world's great clubs.'