During Arsenal`s recent match against Newcastle at the Emirates, which the Gunners won 1-0 to secure Champions League football next season, two former players were in attendance. Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury acknowledged one, Gilberto Silva, but appeared not to notice the other – Johan Djourou.
Gilberto Silva, a popular former player who spent six seasons with Arsenal between 2002 and 2008, was highlighted by the Sky cameras watching the game from the stands. Drury welcomed the 48-year-old Brazilian on commentary, mentioning his arrival after a “stellar World Cup”.
However, he notably did not mention Johan Djourou, the former Arsenal centre-back who was seated right beside Gilberto. Djourou, aged 38, played for Arsenal for a decade from 2004 to 2014.
This oversight by the commentator was quickly noticed by fans online. Many pointed out that Djourou looked significantly different from his playing days, possibly due to a new hairstyle and beard, leading some to comment that his appearance made him “unrecognisable”. Social media users expressed surprise and amusement that Sky had seemingly overlooked the former defender, with some jokes circulating about his presence.
Since retiring in 2021, Djourou has worked as a pundit for DAZN in France. After leaving Arsenal in 2014, he played in various countries including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark.
Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, the 38-year-old expressed pride in his career at the club despite some challenges. In an interview with Flashscore, he stated: “I had some incredible moments [at Arsenal], some incredible seasons. I had some injuries, I had some complicated moments too.
“But on the whole, to play in the Champions League, to reach the final, to be in the Carling Cup final, to fight for the title, to be in Europe every year – it was great.
“I had the chance to assert myself, to play some big games.
“To put in some big performances, to be recognised some seasons as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, particularly by Arsene and my teammates.
“I`m not Sergio Ramos, I`m not Gerard Pique, I was Johan Djourou. And I played some very, very, very big games and I`m very proud of that.”
