A LIFELONG Arsenal fan has had a plaque installed at the Emirates Stadium to commemorate him.

Football fan John Cook lost his battle with pneumonia aged 75 on March 18, 2015.

Following his passing John’s wife Helen received an unexpected letter from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.

The club’s boss heard about John’s death after an interpreter for top Premier League clubs was contacted by his son Dean.

In the letter, Mr Wenger said: “It was with great sadness that we learned recently of the death of John, and on behalf of us all at Arsenal Football Club, I do extend to you our sincere condolences.

“Although I did not have the privilege of knowing John personally, I am aware that he enthusiastically followed the fortunes of this team, and we are extremely grateful for this.

“I know that words mean so little at times such as these, but I wish you to know that our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time.”

John’s widow Helen, of Chase Lane, Dovercourt, described the letter as “lovely” and framed it in her home.

Now, a personalised plaque for John has been installed at Celebration Corner in Emirates Stadium.

The plaque reads: “John Cook 1939 -2015 husband, grandad, great grandad, brother, eternally Arsenal.”

Helen, 75, said: “John was always a fan of Arsenal and in the football ground there is a Celebration Corner, which is a wall for plaques.

“I decided to pay for a plaque on the wall for John and the club got in contact with me and said it is now all done and finished.”

Her husband, who was a structural engineer, worked on the building of West Ham’s Boleyn Ground stadium and the repairs to Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire.

He is survived by his wife, two sons Dean and Kevin, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.