Stunned Jeremy Corbyn thanks ‘the ledge’ Arsene Wenger for service to Arsenal

A stunned Jeremy Corbyn this morning thanked Arsene Wenger for his service to Arsenal, saying: “You took our club to a higher plane.”

The Gazette broke the news of Mr Wenger’s departure to Gooner and Labour Party leader Mr Corbyn. He shouted: “WHAT?! Oh my goodness.”

Mr Corbyn, whose 35 years as Islington North MP overlaps Mr Wenger’s 22 years as Gunners manager, continued: “This is a huge piece of news.

“Thank you, Arsene, for everything you’ve done for our club and for our community. You took the club to a higher plane.

“Your kindness to so many people in Islington has been inspirational. It has been a pleasure.

“I’ve always been impressed by his courtesy, his incredible grasp of languages and his ability to relate to people at all levels.”

Asked where Mr Wenger ranks on the club’s list of legendary figures, Emirates Stadium regular Mr Corbyn responded immediately: “He’s number one. Absolutely. He’s the ledge. He’s been manager for an unprecedented long time.”

The veteran MP has always been in the “Wenger In” camp, as the manager came under massive pressure over the years from angry fans unhappy at the team’s performances.

Mr Corbyn added: “He’s shown his commitment and put up with an unbelievable torrent of unfair abuse. He’s a decent, intelligent man who managed to stoically go through all that abuse – and retain his dignity.”