Seaman, 40, decided to quit after suffering a recurrence of his longstanding shoulder injury while playing for Manchester City in their 4-2 defeat away to Premiership rivals Portsmouth on Saturday.

Wenger, who oversaw the second half of Seaman's 13-year stint at Arsenal before letting him leave on a free transfer to City in June, said: "I feel personally a big loss. It was a fantastic career.

"But I think it came to the point where he (Seaman) realised if he were to go on, he'd damage his health," the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

"I would personally like to thank him for what he has done for English football. He was not just a great keeper he had a great attitude."

Seaman retired on the day City signed current England number one keeper David James from West Ham, a deal encouraged by Seaman.

In a statement issued on the City website Seaman, who won the last of his 75 caps against Macedonia in October 2002, said: "I have reached this difficult decision after much discussion with my family and those in the game whose views I respect.

"It has become clear to me that this type of injury will not quickly disappear and I think now would be a good time to hang up my boots, rather than at the end of the season as planned."

James will make his debut for struggling City against Blackburn at home on Saturday.

Meanwhile Seaman, who made 26 City appearances, said: "I believe I have had a fantastic career playing at the highest level.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have stood by me and supported my career, especially during the tough times, the players who I will miss for their professionalism and friendship and the fans who have inspired my enthusiasm for the game."

City manager Kevin Keegan, England coach for part of Seaman's international career, said: "This has been a difficult decision for David but I fully respect it.

"It says a lot about the man that he has been incredibly helpful to us as a club in finding a successor at such a testing personal time for him.

"His record is incredible and his achievements unbelievable but most importantly I will remember him as an ultimate professional who cared about others," Keegan, whose side are hovering above the relegation zone after failing to win in their last 14 matches, added.

In his last international against Macedonia, Seaman was criticised for the corner Artim Sakiri curled straight into the net during the 2-2 Euro 2004 qualifying draw at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.

It was one of a series of high-profile errors in recent seasons which obscured an otherwise impressive career that saw him win league, FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup medals at Arsenal.

In the Gunners' victorious FA Cup campaign last season Seaman made important saves in both the semi-final against Sheffield United and the final against Southampton.

But for many fans their abiding image of the pony-tailed keeper is likely to be the sight of him left stranded by Ronaldinho's 40-metre lob as Brazil beat England 2-1 in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals in Japan.