Jeremy Corbyn has named Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp and Jens Lehmann as his all-time favourite Arsenal players.
The newly-elected Labour leader has long been a fan of the Gunners, who play in Corbyn’s home constituency of Islington North.
Indeed in April 2004, after Arsene Wenger’s side had secured the Premier League title with a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham, the then-backbench MP backed an early day motion in the House of Commons that proclaimed Arsenal “the best team in the world”.
More than one member of that Invincible side was included on Corbyn’s list of his favourite players.
Asked by the Spectator to name his top Arsenal star Corbyn said: “Of all time, Ian Wright. Plus, Dennis Bergkamp. And the one I really enjoyed talking to was Jens Lehmann. I like him very much.”
Few would argue that Wright, Arsenal’s second highest goalscorer, or Bergkamp would rank amongst the best players of the era, though the presence of Invincibles goalkeeper Lehmann may be more of a surprise.
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The combustible German was at the club from 2003 to 2008, setting a Champions League record for 10 consecutive clean sheets from March 2005 to September 2006. A 41-year-old Lehmann came out of retirement in 2011 to become Arsenal’s oldest ever player.
Corbyn has taken a keen interest in his local club during his time as a parliamentarian, supporting around 100 early day motions relating to Arsenal. He has also campaigned for his local club to become a living wage employer.
