I still laugh about this story every time I think about it. Imagine being Arsene Wenger, sitting in some fancy Vatican waiting room, probably sweating through your suit while frantically texting your transfer team about Danny Welbeck. Meanwhile, the actual Pope is just... waiting to meet you. Like, THE POPE. Football is weird sometimes.
When the Holy Father Meets Deadline Day Chaos
The football world lost a surprising ally on Easter Monday when Pope Francis passed away at 88 after suffering a stroke that led to coma and heart failure. While most will remember him for his progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues and his efforts to reshape the Vatican, many don't realize he was also a massive football nut.
And in one of those strange twists that only happen in real life, His Holiness inadvertently played matchmaker between Arsenal and Danny Welbeck back in 2014.
How? Well, it's actually kind of ridiculous.
6am Flights and Divine Intervention
Picture this: It's transfer deadline day in 2014. Most managers are glued to their phones, locked in negotiation rooms, or pacing nervously around training grounds. And where was Arsene Wenger? In Rome. Meeting teh Pope. As you do.
Wenger, being Catholic, had accepted an invitation months earlier to meet Pope Francis and participate in some charity football match. The timing couldn't have been worse for Arsenal fans biting their nails hoping for last-minute signings.
But here's where it gets interesting. Wenger later revealed: "The advantage of that day was I had to get up at 6 o'clock in the morning for my flight and I was available the whole day."
God. Can you imagine being on Arsenal's transfer team that day? Your boss is literally meeting THE POPE while you're trying to negotiate a £16 million deal with Manchester United. Talk about pressure.
San Lorenzo's #1 Fan
Wenger actually spoke about meeting Francis afterward, saying: "He is a great person. He shows humility and is available to meet for everybody, has a word with everybody."
And then added something I found fascinating: "He is also a football fan. He is a supporter of San Lorenzo in Argentina. You cannot be born in Argentina and not be a football fan."
I looked it up after hearing this story. San Lorenzo is this club from Buenos Aires that Francis has supported since childhood. Makes me wonder if he ever asked Wenger about Arsenal's chances that season. (Spoiler: not great.)
Did Wenger Ghost the Pope?
My favorite part of this whole saga is Wenger admitting he tried to duck out quickly after meeting Francis. "He spoke with many Argentinians, so I wanted to be discreet and say, 'it was nice to meet you and bye-bye'."
Translation: "Sorry Your Holiness, gotta run - I'm trying to sign this striker from United!"
I bet the Pope's security detail was confused when Wenger kept checking his phone during the audience.
Worth Every Prayer
Arsenal fans should probably light a candle for Pope Francis, because Welbeck became something of a cult hero at the Emirates. 32 goals in 126 appearances might not sound spectacular on paper, but numbers don't tell the whole story.
That last-gasp winner against Leicester in 2016? I was at a pub in North London and I swear the ceiling nearly came down. For a brief, beautiful moment, we all thought we might actually win the league.
We didn't. Classic Arsenal.
Welbeck left in 2019 with two FA Cup medals, which isn't bad for a deadline day panic buy that happened while the manager was hanging out with the Pope.
Now 34, Welbeck's having his best Premier League season ever at Brighton - 9 goals and 4 assists. Who saw that coming? Not me, adn probably not Pope Francis either.
The Vatican Connection
So there you have it. Had Wenger not been in Rome meeting Pope Francis, forcing him to be up early and available all day for negotiations, Welbeck might never have become a Gunner.
Football works in mysterious ways. Almost divine, you might say.
I wonder if Wenger ever sent the Pope an Arsenal shirt as thanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Premier League different from other European football leagues
Premier League is different from other European Leagues because of its global appeal. Financial strength, competitive depth, and international appeal are all factors that make it stand out. The league has a vast international audience and lucrative television rights deals. Additionally, the Premier League is known for its unpredictable nature; on any given matchday, lower-ranked teams have a credible chance of defeating the top sides. The intense atmosphere in stadiums and the fast-paced style of play also contribute to the league's unique identity.
What is Premier League Football?
The Premier League in England is one of the most competitive and popular domestic football leagues around the world. The Premier League is played by 20 teams, and it operates under a promotion-relegation system with the English Football League. The teams compete annually, with each team playing 38 matches (home and away), and the season typically running from August to May. The Premier League, with its star players from around the world and large global audience, is known for playing high-quality sport.
What is the impact of the Premier League on the English national football team?
The Premier League is a major player in developing English football talent. Many players in the Premier League are selected for England's national team and contribute to international tournaments with their skill and experience. It is believed that the competitive nature of the league and the high quality of its players benefit the national squad. There have been discussions about the league's large number of non-English players, and their impact on English players who want to play first-team regular football.
What initiatives of the Premier League are supported by community?
The Premier League sponsors a range of initiatives in the community aimed at improving people's lives. These efforts include education, sports and development programs aimed at young people. Promoting the inclusion of groups underrepresented in football and supporting projects using football as a means to promote positive social changes are also included. The Premier League's global reach allows it to make a significant impact both within and beyond the UK, emphasizing football's potential to contribute to societal well-being.
What role does the Video Assistant Referee play in the Premier League?
In the Premier League system, Video Assistant Referee is used by referees to make correct decisions on goals, penalty calls, direct red-card incidents and in cases of mistaken identities. The VAR examines the footage of the incident and provides advice to the on-field referee. They can also view a video replay at the pitchside monitor, before making their final decision. The system is designed to reduce human error that can affect the outcome of matches.
Statistics
- Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
- Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.
- Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
- Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
- The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
External Links
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Premier League Standings: How To Interpret them
Understanding Premier League rankings is essential for following the progress of a season. The league table ranks teams primarily based on total points. A draw is worth one point, while a loss will earn you none. When teams are tied on points, the goal difference (goals conceded minus goals scored) is used to break ties. The table provides insight into who might be crowned champions, qualify for European competitions, or face relegation, making every match a potential turning point.
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https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/artetas-dogwalking-photobomb-leaves-sky-sports-reporter-stunned
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