Gbenga Adeyinka known popularly as the Grand Comedian Federal
Republic (GCFR) is an avowed Arsenal fan, who spends money on his
passion by buying jersies and making sure he visits the Emirates every
season.
Part 1
Though Arsenal FC fans look forward to the debut of their $60 million
buy, Mesut Ozil on Saturday, there is one Gunner fan that is preaching
some caution on the German buy.
“All Arsenal problems have not been solved by buying Ozil though it
gives us better depth in an area that were lean in, Adeyinka opened.
“And with Ozil in our side, we will win one trophy this season,” he continued.
Then the acclaimed comedian who could not help gloating in his
Arsenal jersey quickly chipped in; “I have been wearing this jersey
since we beat Tottenham and showed them that class is better than
money.”
He was referring to the 1-0 win their London rivals before the international break.
When he was reminded that it was just a Week 3 match, Adeyinka said:
“Early days, old days – if Spurs had beaten us, it would have been the
end of Arsene Wenger.
He revealed that he has been supporting Arsenal since 1999, when Kanu Nwankwo joined the London team.
“I know people say that they have been supporting the sides they support since birth, that is a lie.
“For me, I started supporting Arsenal when ‘Papillo’ joined. Though
Kanu left, my love stayed and even when he left and scored against us –
there was no more emotional attachment.
“But the Nigerian will remain in the pantheon of legends with the three goals he scored against Chelsea,” Adeyinka added.
Kanu was voted by Arsenal fans as one of the 50 greatest players in Arsenal history in 2008.
One of his greatest moments as an Arsenal fan was a match in which Henry scored at the Emirates and ran towards him.
“I felt goose bumps all over me – you know it was like he saw me and ran to me – I will never forget that moment for ever.”
When he was asked why he loves Arsenal despite the trophy drought, he
said: “I love the beauty of the Arsenal play. Initially I loved the
hardness and the tenacity – the ‘you can’t beat me spirit’ of Arsenal
but unfortunately we regressed a bit but every football club or nation
will have their lean periods.
My greatest ever player for Arsenal era by era has to be Tony Adams.
What Arsenal are missing right now is a general on the field like Adams.
If Arsenal can get somebody like that into our defence then I will say
categorically that we will win the league.
“Adams epitomized the Arsenal spirit and the major ingredient is what is missing from the team.”
Adeyinka believes Liverpool will do well this season on account of
players they have brought in though he still believes that the
championship will be fought between Manchester United, Manchester City,
Chelsea and Arsenal.
Adeyinka agreed that football is about been consistent and (though he
did this grudgingly) about winning trophies and he remembers with
nostalgia the ‘Invincibles’.
“That was sexy productive football at its best – 49 unbeaten. No team
in modern football will achieve that – the day it happens the world
will end,” he added exultantly.
Adeyinka also has a grand wish – to buy a flat at the Highbury
ground. “I want to be able to tell people that where I live is where the
great Thierry Henry scored loads of goals.”
In part 2 of this interview, he also opens up on his love for Stationary Stores and IICC Shooting Stars.
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