Jeremy Corbyn remembers the first time he met Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and pays tribute ahead of exit

  • Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to Arsene Wenger in online blog post
  • Corbyn says he first met Wenger short after he became Arsenal manager in 1996
  • The Frenchman 'set an example that you can rise above criticism and abuse' 

Jeremy Corbyn has hailed Arsene Wenger as one of the finest football managers ever and says he 'set an example' for rising above criticism and abuse ahead of his summer exit from Arsenal.  

The Frenchman will bring the curtain down on his 22-year reign at the end of the season, finishing with three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups to make him the most successful manager in the club's history.

Having been Member of Parliament for Islington North since 1983, and as an avid fan of the Gunners, Corbyn has crossed paths with Wenger on a number of occasions but still has vivid memories of the first time they met.

Jeremy Corbyn has paid another heart-felt tribute to Arsene Wenger on an online blog post

Jeremy Corbyn has paid another heart-felt tribute to Arsene Wenger on an online blog post

The Arsenal manager will bring an end to his reign in north London 22 years after taking charge

The Arsenal manager will bring an end to his reign in north London 22 years after taking charge

Writing in his Huffington Post blog, Corbyn: 'I first met the man in 1996 when he was moving into his office at Highbury. He was carrying a box full of paperwork, but he stopped to say hello and took time out to talk to my sons and their friends. 


'I remember him talking to youngsters at an Arsenal in the Community event, telling them how important it is to learn another language.

'This is the side of Arsene Wenger that lots of people never get to see. Yes, he is sometimes irascible in interviews, or grumpy after losing a match, having to answer often ridiculous questions and facing the brickbats of the pundits.

'He set an example that you can rise above criticism and abuse, and prove you are stronger than all your critics. Quite simply, he is one of the finest football managers there has ever been.'

The Frenchman will finish with three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups to his name

The Frenchman will finish with three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups to his name

Arsenal confirmed they will look to appoint a successor as soon as possible with Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Brendan Rodgers among those mentioned as potential candidates. 

However, Sportsmail revealed on Friday evening that Arsenal have their eye on another former winner of the competition in Enrique. The Spaniard has enjoyed a sabbatical year following his exit from Barcelona but is seeking a chance to impress in the Premier League.

An approach for Enrique has been made by Arsenal's new director of football relations Raul Sanllehi, who forged a close relationship with Enrique at Barcelona.

The two have dined together at an exclusive London club recently and were in deep discussion.

The Arsenal hierarchy, although keen to give Wenger the courteous and respectful grand send-off which he so richly deserves, have been focusing on Enrique as they have watched Pep Guardiola bring the Barcelona effect to Manchester City.

Wenger runs his Arsenal team-mates through training on Saturday ahead of Sunday's game

Wenger runs his Arsenal team-mates through training on Saturday ahead of Sunday's game