Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has joined a host of prominent European figures urging the United Kingdom to vote against a Brexit from the European Union (EU).
Wenger was among those who signed a "love letter to the British people" that was published in The Times Literary Supplement on Thursday saying "Britain, please stay."
The letter reads: "All of us in Europe respect the right of the British people to decide whether they wish to remain with us in the European Union. It is your decision, and we will all accept it.
"Nevertheless, if it will help the undecided to make up their minds, we would like to express how very much we value having the United Kingdom in the European Union. It is not just treaties that join us to your country, but bonds of admiration and affection. All of us hope that you will vote to renew them. Britain, please stay."
The letter was put together by French broadcaster Philippe Auclair, Greek novelist Apostolos Doxiadis and Austrian artist Robert Rotifer, who then asked other leading Europeans to sign it.
In this week's TLS: A letter from cultural figures across Europe says "Britain, please stay" https://t.co/OHKEVfowqx pic.twitter.com/fedxbznU2e
- TheTLS (@TheTLS) June 1, 2016
Other backers include Nobel Prize-winning authors Mario Vargas Llosa and Elfriede Jelinek, ABBA singer Bjorn Ulvaeus, chef Raymond Blanc of France and Italian actress Isabella Rossellini.
Arsenal's German defender Per Mertesacker also signed the letter, along with several other footballing profiles such as former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and Denmark coach Morten Olsen.
Wenger also spoke about the potential ramifications of a Brexit on the Premier League in April, saying it could change clubs' ability to sign foreign players.
"It raises many questions. Will the European players be considered as they are now? For example, if England votes for Brexit, will the French be considered like South American players [who require work permits]?" Wenger said.
"That would completely re-question the influx of foreign players. Will England go that way? If they did, that would leave the Premier League with some questions."
The United Kingdom holds its referendum on June 23.