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Sorry Arsene, you're dropped: Arsenal boss Wenger given the boot as French TV channel chooses not to renew his commentary contract

Wenger was a regular voice on French channel TF1 but has been let go after 10 years covering France's national team matches

Jack de Menezes
Monday 08 September 2014 14:38 BST
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Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger (Getty Images)

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It’s been quite some time since Arsene Wenger heard the words “you’re dropped” from someone other than the Arsenal manager himself, but that’s what a French TV channel did to him earlier this week.

France’s main commercial channel TF1 decided that they would not be renewing his contract as a match commentator for the national side’s games after 10 years with them.

French newspaper Le Parisien claimed that Wenger admitted he was “greatly surprised” by the decision, although conflicting reports across the channel also claim that the decision was made by a “joint agreement”.

Wenger was in Brazil during the summer to commentate on France’s World Cup matches as Les Blues reached the quarter-finals only to be knocked out by eventual champions Germany.

Wenger’s departure comes into effect with immediate effect, although Arsenal fans won’t be too concerned after he was seen enjoying his time in South America with a number of beach appearances when it appeared the Gunners were neglecting the transfer window.

However, Arsenal managed to sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona while the Frenchman was on his travels, and added Danny Welbeck on transfer deadline day even though Wenger was refereeing a charity match in Rome.

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