BEST AFRICAN PLAYERS IN THE EPL: Nomination thrills Kanu
One time Africa Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles skipper, Kanu Nwankwo has affirmed that he is delighted that his modest contributions for Arsenal and a few other clubs he featured for in the English Premier League still continues to be a reference point after his retirement.
Kanu who was signed by former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger in 1999 from Inter Milan went ahead to feature 197 times for the Emirates Giants with 44 goals to his credit in all competitions. He also played for West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth FC before he decided to call it quits with football.
The Eagles attacker was among the names honourably mentioned as some of the best African players to feature in the English Premier League and Kanu averred that he is thrilled that his past achievements for Arsenal and the two other clubs he lined out for in the EPL are still being appreciated and valued.
“What can I say? I am grateful to God that I am still being spoken about positively despite my retirement some years ago,” Kanu told SportingLife in a chat.
“We have a lot of quality players that have featured for different clubs in the EPL and for me to be counted among the lucky few to be recognized is something to be happy about. I know there are some people that have become fans of Arsenal and my other former teams because they appreciate what I did for Arsenal.
“Opinions will continue to differ regarding the best African players to ever played in the EPL but I am happy that people are still talking about my exploits in England several years after I left the league.”
Kanu had good memories with Arsenal where he won two league titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons with the latter going the entire season unbeaten. He also lifted two FA Cup titles with the Gunners in 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons.
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The Olympics gold medalist with the Under 23 team in 1996 also won the FA Cup crown with Portsmouth FC in 2007-08 after scoring the winning goals in the semi-final and final respectively.