Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Names Ex-teammate With Worst Fashion; He’s Nigerian
- Mikel Arteta has sparked laughter by naming a Nigerian ex-teammate as the worst-dressed during a recent interview
- The Arsenal boss began his professional career at Barcelona, playing for their B team from 1999 to 2002
- The playful jab at his former teammate’s fashion sense has fans buzzing on social media, as it reflects their early days with La Masia
While entertaining questions on the personalities of his ex-teammates, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta named a Nigerian star as the worst when it comes to fashion.
The incredible midfielder Arteta began his career at Spanish club Barcelona, where he played for the team B between 1999 and 2002.
He crossed paths with former Nigerian international Haruna Babangida, who joined the club a season earlier.
Source: Getty Images
The pair played together before Arteta left on loan to French club Paris Saint-Germain.
In a light-hearted revelation that has football fans chuckling, Arteta, who is now head coach at Arsenal, playfully called out a former teammate for having the worst fashion sense among his old playing colleagues.
During a recent interview, the tactician was fielding questions about his past teammates' personalities.
When the conversation turned to style, the Spaniard didn't hold back in the footage. He responded:
"Haruna Babangida, the Nigerian player that I said."
Who is Haruna Babangida?
Haruna Babangida, who is the younger brother of Tijani Babangida, was known for his speed and skill as a winger, per Barcelona Media
His potential was evident, but he had limited playing time at the Spanish club before moving to Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine in 2002.
The star later played for Olympiacos, Apollon Limassol, and Vitesse Arnhem, among others, showcasing his versatility across European leagues.
He had only one cap for the Nigerian national team, appearing in a friendly match which the Super Eagles lost 0–3 to Japan in Tokyo.
Arteta recalls playing alongside Okocha, Ronaldinho
Meanwhile, Arteta has recalled his fond moments at Paris Saint-Germain, playing alongside Jay Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the French club boasted some of football’s biggest stars.
Nicolas Anelka, Mauricio Pochettino, Bartholomew Ogbeche, and Aliou Cisse shone in the stellar 2001/2002 squad.
The team’s fierce competitiveness profoundly influenced Arteta, now leading one of England’s top clubs.
Only recently, Arteta spoke about the excitement of playing with legendary football talents Jay-Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho.
The Spaniard stated that it was a dream come true for any player, as their creativity and unpredictability challenged opponents.
Source: Getty Images
He recalls some of the training sessions when he had to defend against the most skilful players at the time.
FIFA president hails Okocha
Legit.ng earlier reported that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino sent a special birthday message to Okocha, as he celebrated his 52nd birthday.
Infantino acknowledged the birthday boy as one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from the African continent, thanking him for his contributions on and off the pitch.
Born on August 14, 1973, in Enugu, Nigeria, the mercurial midfielder earned the nickname "Jay-Jay" for his dribbling skills, vision.
Source: Legit.ng
