• Wenger ‘surprised’ to learn TF1 not renewing contract • Arsenal manager ends 10-year stint on television channel

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

France’s main commercial television channel, TF1, has dropped the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, as a match commentator.

Le Parisien newspaper said Wenger was “greatly surprised” to learn his contract would not be renewed. However, other French media reported the decision had been made by “joint agreement”.

The Frenchman has commentated on matches involving the national team Les Bleus for the past 10 years.

The decision took effect immediately and Wenger was absent from TF1’s broadcast of the friendly between France and Spain at the Stade de France on Thursday evening.

Wenger, 64, from Alsace in eastern France, was a familiar face on TF1 at the Brazil World Cup and has regularly commentated on Champions League matches in recent years.