Even years after retiring, Nwankwo Kanu’s ability nonetheless amazes those that performed with or in opposition to him, eSporty stories.
The Nigerian legend, recognized for his clean type and intelligent tips, continues to earn respect and admiration from anybody who noticed him play.
Pennant remembers Kanu’s magic at Arsenal
Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant not too long ago praised Kanu on the Beast Mode On podcast, hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Wanting again on their time collectively at Arsenal, Pennant laughed as he remembered how unbelievable Kanu’s management of the ball was.
“We used to examine his boots typically and suppose, ‘Has he received Velcro on them?’” Pennant stated. “I’ve by no means seen anybody transfer the ball like that. It was mad… his well-known flick over his head? You possibly can see it coming, however you continue to can’t cease it.”
Though Kanu wasn’t the quickest participant, his imaginative and prescient, creativity, and clean contact made him probably the most unpredictable and entertaining forwards in Premier League historical past.
Kanu’s lasting legacy
Kanu performed for Arsenal from 1999 to 2004, a interval followers nonetheless bear in mind fondly.
Signed by Arsène Wenger from Inter Milan, he scored 44 targets in 198 video games for the Gunners, together with a memorable hat-trick in opposition to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that made him a fan favorite.
His calmness and expertise helped Arsenal win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, and he was a part of the well-known “Invincibles” crew.
Earlier than becoming a member of Arsenal, Kanu had already achieved loads — he received an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria and lifted the UEFA Champions League with Ajax.
Away from soccer, Kanu continues to be admired throughout Africa for his charity work by the Kanu Coronary heart Foundation, which has helped save many lives.
