Former Arsenal star, 38, so unrecognisable that even Sky Sports activities commentators ‘fail to recognise’ him

A former Arsenal star went undetected by Sky Sports activities commentators – attributable to his unrecognisable new look – as he watched the facet beat Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday. 

The Gunners secured Champions League soccer for a 3rd consecutive season after a slender victory over the Magpies courtesy of Declan Rice‘s 20-yard strike. 

Plenty of ex-Arsenal stars had been noticed within the Emirates crowd on the day – with former Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva seen watching on from the stands. 

The 48-year-old wore an Arsenal scarf as he took within the afternoon’s motion and was shouted out by Sky Sports activities commentator Peter Drury on the day. 

Drury made word that the Brazilian arrived in north London after a ‘stellar World Cup’ 23 years in the past – nevertheless the commentator did not make point out of the opposite ex-Arsenal star sat beside Silva. 

Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou was sat alongside Silva for the conflict in opposition to the Magpies however went unnoticed because of his unrecognisable new look. 

Djorou – who made 140 appearances for the Gunners throughout his time on the membership – now sports activities a brand new haircut type and beard – far completely different from his days on the pitch. 

Taking to X to touch upon the state of affairs, one fan wrote: ‘Loopy commentators ..he recognised Gilberto however didnt Know Johan Djourou’. 

One other wrote: ‘Drury did not recognise Johan Djourou there, and honest sufficient’.

‘Commentator acknowledges Gilberto Silva sitting within the stand watching the sport however did not recognise Johan Djourou as a former participant of Arsenal. Actually dangerous!’, one consumer mentioned. 

Djourou spent eight seasons with the Gunners throughout his taking part in profession earlier than finally leaving to hitch German facet Hamburg.  

In the meantime, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has promised a giant summer time of transfers to make his facet worthy Premier League title contenders subsequent season.

The supervisor confirmed a minimum of ‘4 or 5 gamers’ will probably be departing on the finish of this season. They embody Jorginho, who’s becoming a member of Brazilian facet Flamengo, and the Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney.

Loanees Neto and Raheem Sterling are additionally going, with Oleksandr Zinchenko anticipated to depart, too.

He mentioned: ‘Clearly we’d like gamers as a result of the squad is absolutely quick, and on high of that we’re dropping 4 or 5 gamers which are going to finish contracts, and their loans are completed.

‘So, we should be sharp. Once more, very disciplined in what we need to do, and make it possible for we’re sturdy within the subsequent season.’

When requested how huge the summer time forward is, he mentioned: ‘End the season, go to the seaside and ensure those upstairs (hierarchy) do what they should do.’