Roy Hodgson admits he knows exactly why Arsene Wenger can never contemplate retirement — because he feels the same.

The Arsenal manager revealed earlier this week that he was not even thinking about walking away from football, despite having been in charge in north London for almost 13 years.

Hodgson, at 62, is three years older than Wenger but on the eve of their Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage, he insists he still shares the Frenchman's enthusiasm for the game that has shaped both their lives.

He said: “It's about the energy levels and ambition that you are able to maintain. Arsene has plenty of both and Sir Alex Ferguson is the same.

“I was listening to him at Bobby Robson's memorial service and the enthusiasm and passion that still emanates from him when he speaks about football was clear for all to see.

“Arsene Wenger is the same as that, so it doesn't matter whether you are 35 or 65 — it's about what is within you. Some other coaches, even younger ones, get tired and decide to give it up but I can't see Arsene ever retiring — his energy levels are too great.

“I haven't thought about retirement either and I like to think I have that similar drive and energy that can keep me going.

“It's been incredible the job Arsene has done at Arsenal and in the jobs he had before that.

“He's a first-class manager and coach and a person I would like to consider a friend.

“All the praise that has been showered on him is well deserved. They are one of the top teams in Europe so we need to be at our best just to make a game of it.

“However, the last few games have shown that we have a strong squad here.

“It's nice to see that the work we've done can enable you to take different players and they can produce performances.”

Fulham took four points off Arsenal last season, including a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, but Hodgson is braced for a backlash tomorrow.

He added: “We had good results against them last season and they will want revenge but we are aware of those pitfalls.

“When you play against the top four teams you need to play really well to have any hope of winning the game.”