Wenger says Fergie still has the hunger

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger never felt a “hungry” Alex Ferguson was ready to retire and is relishing going head to head with his old adversary for a few years yet.

Ferguson will celebrate his 69th birthday at the end of this year and has shown no sign of being affected by the pressures of being Manchester United manager since 1986.

However, the Scot has always stated that his health is of paramount importance and stories emerged recently claiming he would leave his job at the end of next term, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho lined up as his successor.

Wenger, who turned 60 last year and recently became the longest serving manager in Arsenal’s history, believes both men have a few more years left in them.

“You see the way he behaves and manages his team that the hunger is there,” said Wenger, whose current contract runs out at the end of next season.

“As long as he will live, the hunger will be there for success. That is something that does not die in you.

“When you get older you have to analyse and consider your health, where you have the physical strength to do the job.

“But to me at the moment he does not look to have any problem. It is always interesting facing him.”

On his own long-term plans, Wenger added: “My future is decided by how well I do and second is how much I enjoy what I do. I still feel I have a few years in front of me if I have the luck to be healthy.”