Former Arsenal winger Arsene Wenger has been given the highest honour in the West African country of Liberia.

Wenger, 68, was honoured by his former player and footballer-turned-president, George Weah.

The Frenchman was given the award alongside long-term friend and compatriot Claude Le Roy at a ceremony in the Liberian capital of Monrovia on Friday.

Liberian President Weah in a Facebook post said: “I have the honor to welcome two of my former coaches to Liberia. Arsene Wenger and Claude Le Roy both played a pivotal role in shaping my soccer career.”

Weah, Wenger and Le Roy have been friends for a long time dating back to when the Liberian President was still an active football player.

According to the Information Ministry in Liberia, Wenger and Le Roy received the Order of Distinction and were conferred with the Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption – the highest possible rank in the country.

George Weah was elected president last year and sworn in earlier this year.

He has been heavily criticised in some quarters for the award given to both Arsene Wenger and Claude Le Roy.