Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is among 140 European celebrities to have signed a letter calling for Britain to remain in the EU.

The Frenchman, together with his centre-back Per Mertesacker and countryman Gerard Houllier, has backed the 'affectionate' plea with British voters not to opt for Brexit in the referendum on June 23.

The piece, which refers to itself as "a love letter to the British people", was published in The Times under the heading "Britain, please stay".

"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," it reads.

"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."

Sir Ian Botham and Sol Campbell are among the sports stars to have come out in favour of Britain leaving the EU.