Mikel Arteta has labelled Roy Hodgson as an ‘absolute legend’ after it was announced the Crystal Palace manager will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Hodgson’s future had been uncertain with the veteran coach’s contract expiring at the end of the season, with the Eagles having now announced that the 73-year-old will step down from his position at the conclusion of the campaign.
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The former England manager has been in charge of Crystal Palace since September 2017 and has also enjoyed Premier League spells at the likes of Fulham, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion.
Hodgson has been coaching for more than 45 years and in a statement on the club’s official website said that now was the right time for him to ‘step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football’.
Arsenal travel to face Crystal Palace in what will be Hodgson’s final fixture in charge at Selhurst Park and ahead of the clash Arteta has paid tribute to the outgoing Eagles boss.
“He’s an absolute legend. What he’s done for football, for English football,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
“What he transmits as a manager and what he has done at different clubs is remarkable.
“He has been doing it for so long with the way he is always conducting himself. It’s a great example for me as a young coach. He is someone I admire.”
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