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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger left a family stunned when he wrote a letter of condolence after the death of a lifelong supporter.

John Cook died in March this year at the age of 75 after battling pneumonia.

Then out of the blue his wife Helen received a letter from the Gunners’ manager.

Mr Wenger learnt of John’s death after an interpreter for top Premier League clubs was contacted by his son Dean.

In the letter Mr Wenger said: “It was with great sadness that we learned recently of the death of John, and on behalf of us all at Arsenal Football Club, I do extend to you our sincere condolences.

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“Although I did not have the privilege of knowing John personally, I am aware he enthusiastically followed the fortunes of this team, and we are extremely grateful for this.

“I know words mean so little at times such as these, but I wish you to know our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time.”

Mrs Cook described the letter as “lovely”.

She added: “The interpreter knew John and when my son told her he had died, she wrote to Arsene Wenger and told him.

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“It was really nice. I was quite shocked to receive it – I was taken aback.

“John was a lifelong fan – he had always supported Arsenal.

“At one point he worked for West Ham, but he still supported Arsenal.

“It is nice to hear someone who is a popular name doing something like this.

(Image: Cascade)

“I have never heard of it before.”

Mrs Cook, of Dovercourt, Essex, has now framed the letter.

Her husband, who was a structural engineer, worked on the building of West Ham’s Boleyn Ground at Upton Park and the repairs to Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Dean and Kevin, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.