West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger deserves total respect.

On Monday, at Arsenal, Barry will rewrite the record books by overtaking Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs in making his milestone 633rd Premier League appearance.

Barry remarked: “I was close to signing for Arsenal on a couple of occasions: before I was leaving Villa for Man City and again when I was leaving City for Everton.

“I've got massive respect for Arsene Wenger for what he's done for the English game and it would have been good to work under him but it just didn't happen for whatever reason.

“He's won the lot at Arsenal but ultimately as a manager you're going to get judged on results and that's where the criticism will come.

“But when Arsene eventually retires he'll get the plaudits he deserves."