Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger: Gary Neville 'Without A Doubt' The Best Right-Back Of The Premier League Era
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Gary Neville and called him the best English right-back in Premier League history.
Neville retired from football on Wednesday after struggling to make an impact on the Manchester United first team this year but bows out as one of the most decorated players in English football.
Neville's passion for United often crept over the line of decency for many, with opposition fans viewing him as was one of the most hated footballers in the Premier League.
And he had numerous encounters with Arsenal, including a tunnel bust-up with Patrick Vieira, but that didn’t stop Wenger praising the 35-year-old.
"Best English right-back in the Premier League? Certainly," the Arsenal boss told reporters.
"If you look at his record, he has won absolutely everything and with the number of games he has played, he is without a doubt the best."
Wenger went on to praise the determination of the right-back, saying that it was his mentality that made him such an asset for United over the years.
"I respect what he has done a lot because he was certainly not one of the most talented players in the league," added Wenger.
"But what he has achieved is consistency.
"His record is down to intelligence and motivation - he is an example to players who are maybe less gifted than the Ryan Giggses or the David Beckhams.
"He still make a fantastic career because he is intelligent and highly motivated. He deserves great credit."
Neville 19-year career took in eight Premier league titles, two Champions League medals and 85 England caps.
Jamie Carragher has hailed his old rival Gary Neville as the greatest full-back the Premier League has ever seen.
The pair have clashed repeatedly over the years but the Liverpool star has paid tribute to Neville after he announced his retirement from the game.
Carragher, who played alongside the Manchester United star for England, told Drive Time: “For me he’s the best full-back the Premier League’s had. And also just behind David Beckham probably one of the best crossers of the ball we’ve seen.
For me he’s the best full-back the Premier League’s had.
“People always talk about the rivalry between Liverpool and Man United and of course it exists. We want to beat them and they want to beat us but I have great respect for Man United as a club and I hope that’s vice versa.
“Were two of the most successful teams, two of the biggest teams in the world, and for me Gary Neville’s been one of the main reasons why that’s happened.
“A great player, great pro and to play at that level for so long is a fantastic achievement so I take my hat off to him.”





