West Ham United manager David Moyes has described Arsene Wenger as "a great competitor" after the Frenchman announced his decision to leave Arsenal.
Earlier on Friday, Wenger said that it felt like 'the right time' to end his 22-year stay at the North London outfit at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Moyes has come up against Wenger during his time at Everton, Manchester United, Sunderland and the Hammers, and the Scot has praised the mentality and commitment of his counterpart.
At a press conference, the 54-year-old told reporters: "He's been a great competitor, terrific manager and over the years he's been one of the best to grace the Premier League.
"Real football people appreciate what he's done and I think he is a proper football man, lives and breathes it, dedicated to his job and his sport. I got to know him a little bit at different times and he's a real proper football man and works really hard."
Wenger and Moyes will go head to head on Sunday when Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.
Darren Plant
