THIERRY HENRY & ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ SHOW OFF THEIR INCREDIBLE SKILKS

 

THIERRY HENRY WAY 🇺🇸

Thierry Henry has a street named after him in New York 🗽

The temporary tribute has been installed in the heart of Manhattan for the World Cup to honour the former France striker, who has previously played and managed in the MLS 🛣️🇺🇸

WORLD CUP: IAN WRIGHT REACTION TO REF BEING DENIED ENTRY TO THE US GOES VIRAL

Ian Wright has posted a passionate video on social media after Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup.

Artan, considered one of the best African officials in world football, was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals.

However, the 34-year-old was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and will now not officiate at this summer's tournament.

FIFA said in a statement: "Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.

"Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Ian Wright Reacts to Omar Artan being Denied Entry

Arsenal legend Wright has taken to social media to express his frustration after seeing the story. In a video posted on TikTok, he said:

"Every few hours it's another story. Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied now refs? I'm laughing but it's not funny. It's actually not funny, something has to be said.

"Expensive tickets, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, greatest tournament in the world? How are we not hearing more?"

"Is this the spirit of football? Really? You know who I feel for - I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.

"This is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup will have to go through some serious chaos to get it done. I hope we [England can do it, but something has to be said. This is the World Cup!"

Omar Artan Speaks Out After Being Denied Entry to the US

Artan has released a statement after his dream of officiating at a World Cup was taken away. He said:

"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career. I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

Artan was one of eight referees to be selected by CAF to officiate in the competition. It is currently unclear who will replace him.

- James Stroud

IAN WRIGHT | ARSENAL LEGENDS

 

 

Ian Wright is an Arsenal legend and the club's second-highest all-time goalscorer, having netted 185 goals in 288 appearances during his seven-year stay from 1991 to 1998. 

Career at Arsenal

Wright joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in 1991 for a then-club record fee of £2.5 million. 

He became the club's all-time leading scorer in September 1997, famously revealing a "179 – Just Done It" t-shirt after breaking Cliff Bastin's long-standing record. 

While his record was later surpassed by Thierry Henry, he remains a central figure in the club's history. 

Major Honours

During his time at Highbury, Wright was a prolific "goal machine" who helped the Gunners secure multiple trophies: 

Premier League Title: 1997/98

FA Cup: 1993, 1998

League Cup: 1993

European Cup Winners' Cup: 1994 (though he was suspended for the final) 

Recent Updates (April 2026)

Following his professional retirement in 2000, Wright has become a highly influential media personality and broadcaster. 

Influence: 

In 2025, he was named the UK's second-most influential Black person in the 2026 Powerlist.

Punditry: 

He recently stepped back from his long-running role on the BBC's Match of the Day but remains a prominent voice on the Stick to Football podcast and various media platforms.

Current Arsenal Involvement: 

He is often seen at the Sobha Realty Training Centre and remains very close to the current first-team squad and staff. 

.

THIERRY HENRY | ARSENAL LEGEND | FRENCH LEGEND

 

ARSENAL LEGEND THIERRY HENRY TOOK HIS KIDS TO SEE HIS STATUE

Thierry Henry took his children to see his statue outside of the Emirates ❤

One of his kids asked him why he had that serious look...

🗣️ Henry replied: "I was upset that day. We were playing against Tottenham, and I don't like Tottenham." 😭🤣

CHELSEA SET TO SACK ENZO MARESCA IF BLUES DON'T BEAT SOUTHAMPTON AND LEICESTER AS ARSENAL LEGEND PAUL MERSEN EXPLAINS 'SUFFOCATED' COLE PALMER'S RECENT STRUGGLES

Getty

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Chelsea will sack Enzo Maresca if the Blues fail to beat relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Merson believes that if Chelsea are unable to beat Southampton and Leicester, who are 20th and 19th respectively in the English top-flight, in their next two Premier League games, the Italian will lose his job. The ex-England international also theorised that Palmer's drop-off in form is down to not having Nicolas Jackson playing alongside him, with the striker currently out injured

Getty

.WHAT PAUL MERSON SAID

He said on Sky Sports: "If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there. They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester. So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job. Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition. They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is."

Merson added: "Even Palmer has struggled now, Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson, and Jackson needs Palmer. Without Jackson's movement, Palmer gets suffocated out of the game. He hasn't got any movement in front of him. People give Jackson stick but you can see how good he is now he's not in the team. Now, all of a sudden, they've got nothing up front, so no one's making the runs and Palmer's got no space. So he's getting deeper and deeper. Jackson's a massive miss."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Indeed, Chelsea have taken just nine points from their last 10 league matches and Palmer has failed to register a single goal or assist across his last five games. They are just one point outside the Champions League qualification spots, with fifth likely to secure a berth into next season's competition. But it is very tight in the fight for Europe and if the Blues' poor run continues, they could slide down the table quickly.

- Richie Mills

ARSENAL LEGEND | NWANKWO KANU | STATS

Arsenal Legend 🤝 Nwankwo KANU

Full name: Nwankwo Kanu

Date of birth: 1 August 1976

Height: 1.97 m

Place of birth: Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

🏆 UEFA Champions League (Ajax 1994/95)

🏆 UEFA Europa League (Inter Milan 1997/98)

🏆 UEFA Super Cup Winner (Ajax 1995)

🏆 Intercontinental Cup (Ajax 1995)

🏆 Premier League 2x (Arsenal 2001/02, 2003/04)

🏆 English "FA Cup" 3x (Arsenal 2001/02, 2002/03; Portsmouth 2007/08)

🏆 English "Community Shield" (Arsenal 1999)

🏆 Dutch "Eredivisie" 3x (Ajax 1993/94, 94/95, 95/96)

🏆 Nigerian Premier League (Iwuanyanwu Nationale 1992/93)

🏆 Olympic Medalist (Nigeria Olympic Team 1996)

CAREER STATS

1. Iwuanyanwu Nationale (1992 - 1993)

🎬 25 Appearances

⚽️ 15 Goals

2. Ajax Amsterdam (1993 - 1996)

🎬 75 Appearances

⚽️ 27 Goals

🎯 15 Assists

3. Inter Milan (1996 - 1999)

🎬 20 Appearances

⚽️ 1 Goals

🎯 - Assists

4. Arsenal (1999 - 2004)

🎬 197 Appearances

⚽️ 44 Goals

🎯 35 Assists

5. West Bromwich Albion (2004 - 2006)

🎬 57 Appearances

⚽️ 9 Goals

🎯 3 Assists

6. Portsmouth (2006 - 2012)

🎬 166 Appearances

⚽️ 28 Goals

🎯 14 Assists

7. Nigeria (1994 - jul, 2010)

🎬 84 Appearances

⚽️ 12 Goals

🎯 4 Assists

8. Nigeria Olympic Team (jul - Aug, 1996)

🎬 6 Appearances

⚽️ 3 Goals

🎯 2 Assists

ARSENAL LEGEND PAUL MERSON MAKES LIVERPOOL TITLE RACE PREDICTION AS REDS CRASH OUT OF FA CUP

Liverpool can tighten their grip on top spot with a win this week (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool can further extend their lead at the top of the Premier League if they see off Everton in midweek with Paul Merson suggesting a nine point cushion would all but secure the title

Paul Merson believes victory for Liverpool in Wednesday's Merseyside derby will all but wrap up the Premier League.

The Reds were dealt a huge blow on Sunday as their FA Cup hopes ended at Plymouth Argyle. Arne Slot named a much changed side as he deals with three games in the space of a week, but they were still expected to see off the Championship strugglers.

Attention will now turn back to Premier League matters with Liverpool playing their game in hand. The clash with Everton was cancelled last year and they'll take on their local rivals on Wednesday in the rescheduled fixture.

Currently Slot's side hold a six point advantage over Arsenal in second. A win would see them go nine clear with the business end of the season very much nearing - and Merson believes that would be too big a gap to overhaul.

He told Metro Sport : "They’ve [Arsenal] got two [trophies left to win], one they could be out of by Wednesday night in my opinion. If Liverpool win at Everton, that’ll be nine points clear with 15-odd games left. They’d have to lose four of them, which I think would be impossible. To me, it comes down to Wednesday."

Liverpool are looking to land just their second Premier League title, which would add to the one they won back in 2020. It would also be a huge coup for Slot as he makes a mark in his first season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp. Arsenal meanwhile are trying to avoid a third straight second place finish but have the odds stacked against them in their pursuit of the title.

The Reds remain in the hunt for three trophies having booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final last week. They'll face Newcastle in the final at Wembley whilst plenty onlookers believe they've already got one hand on the Premier League trophy.

Liverpool were in contention for several honours this time last year before eventually falling away. Their involvement in the Champions League means the games will continue to come thick and fast with Slot admitting their schedule is relentless.

"I said before that we have to play many games now," he said. "The Aston Villa game comes during the week again as well. The last few weeks we have played every single week two times. The upcoming weeks we have to play every single time two games."

- Samuel Meade

ARSENAL LEGENDS DENNIS BERGKAMP AWARDED THE FWA TRIBUTE AWARD 2025

@theofficialfwa

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp on being awarded the FWA Tribute Award 2025 for his contribution to English Football at the Landmark London

THIERRY HENRY WAS SNUBBED FOR A BALLOON D'OR DESPITE HAVING 62 G/A OVER ANDRY SHEVCHENKO'S 42 G/A 👀

 

CLEOPATRA MUKANGARA [HEAD OF IT STRATEGY AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AT VODACOM] & HER SON APALLO SHARING A LIGHT MOMENT WITH ARSENAL LEGEND NWANKWO KANU IN DAR ES SALAAM

 

DENNIS BERGKAMP | ARSENAL LEGEND

 

KEVIN CAMPBELL | OBITUARY

 

ARSENAL LEGEND AT THE EMIRATES | ARSENE WENGER

 

ARSENAL LEGEND | ARSENE WENGER'S STATUE

BUKAYO SAKA ON ARSENAL LEGEND IAN WRITE

 

Bukayo Saka: “Ian Wright knows everyone, you know! He”s such a good guy, man. He has a good heart. you don’t find people like that a lot.” [gq magazine]

ARSENAL FC: ARSENE WENGER SAYS THIERRY HENRY NOT COMING BACK

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal football legend won't be returning to the club as per rumors.