Nigeria legend, Nwankwo Kanu, proved he hasn’t lost his goal scoring touch even after retiring over four years ago by notching three beautiful goals as Arsenal Legends beat AC Milan Legends 4-2 on Saturday.
The 40-year-old joined other ex-Gunners superstars including David Seaman, Martin Keown, Ray Parlour, Marc Overmars and Robert Pires – coached by Arsene Wenger himself – at the Emirates.
Milan on the other hand had the likes of Paolo Maldini, Edgar Davis, Marcel Desailly and Zvonimir Bobin – tutored by the vastly experienced Fabio Capello.
Kanu caused mild drama moments before kickoff when he was found on the pitch despite not being named in the starting lineup.
Referee Howard Webb had to delay kickoff for Kanu to walk to the dugout.
A bit of a delayed start as @papilokanu didn’t realise he was on the bench!
???? 0-0 ⚪ (5)#ArsenalLegends pic.twitter.com/IUpDHfhHTX
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 3, 2016
However, it was the two-time African Footballer of the Year who proved to be the star of the encounter by notching a hat-trick despite not starting.
More fascinating was the fact that the Nigerian had predicted prior to the game that he’d hit three goals which he found a way of doing.
He said: “It’s all about having fun for a good cause. That said, I reckon I could score three goals!”
His first was in the 27th minute when he climbed highest to reach a deflected Emmanuel Petit cross to head firmly into the top corner – which prompted chants of “Wenger, Wenger, sign him up!” from the Arsenal faithful.
The former Ajax man, who came on for Gilberto, grabbed another header as well as converting a penalty to claim a hat-trick.
The game was meant for charity but some Arsenal fans were indirectly urging Wenger to consider re-signing the 40-year-old.
A message from @papilokanu #ArsenalLegends pic.twitter.com/ukBcpZFy0A
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 3, 2016
