7 ex-Arsenal players we can't believe are still playing in 2022
Arsenal have been represented by legions of top players over the years and we salute those former Gunners who are still active in professional football.
Many Arsenal players from the late 2000s and early 2010s have already retired. However, there are still a handful of companions hanging around for miles around the world.
We took a closer look at seven former Gunners who we couldn't believe were still playing competitively at the end of 2022.
Emmanuel AdebayorIn January 2006, Arsenal spent £3million on Monaco striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Baby Kanu, as he became known, then had a memorable stay in North London.
The striker was sent off in the 2007 League Cup final, scored Arsenal's 100th goal at the Emirates and enjoyed a plethora of unforgettable moments.
Despite this, Adebayor will be remembered for his goal against the Gunners shortly after moving to Manchester City. You know this one.
And now, according to Transfermarkt, the player is plying his trade for AC Semassi FC in the top league of his home country. With the league currently inactive, it will be interesting to see if the striker will continue his playing career once the season starts in November.
Until he officially announces his retirement, Adebayor certainly qualifies on our list. We make the rules here.
READ: A rare celebration of Peak Adebayor and his superb stint at Arsenal
Amaury BischoffEven the staunchest Arsenal supporters will struggle to remember Bischoff's name.
The central midfielder arrived in north London in 2008 and was even described as one of 'Arsene Wenger's leftiest signings' by the club's website. Zinger.
Given he's only made four appearances for the Gunners, we can't say much about his time in the capital. But we can reveal that the Portuguese is still competing in the fourth tier of French football with SR Colmar.
Lucas PodolskiAs a World Cup winner, Bundesliga champion and proud owner of a kebab shop, there's little Podolski hasn't done with his life.
In 2012, the Polish-born German left hometown club FC Koln and joined Arsenal. In 82 games, Podolski scored 31 goals and even helped the team win the FA Cup.
Today, the striker terrorizes Polish Ekstraklasa defenders. Although that might not be the right adjective, considering he only scored nine goals in 38 appearances for Gornik Zabrze.
Mathieu DebuchyDespite remaining with the club for four years after signing in 2014, Debuchy suffered an inconsistent time at the Emirates which was marred by injury.
Despite winning the Community Shield and the FA Cup, the full-back gave way to Hector Bellerin in his first season and never regained Arsene Wenger's trust.
Debuchy returned to France on loan with Bordeaux before signing for St Etienne in 2018. He joined Valenciennes in 2021 and is still at the club today.
Alex SongAt 35, Alex Song still plays competitive football. We are as surprised as you.
At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the former Arsenal player was one of nine players dismissed by Swiss club FC Sion. But the midfielder continues and plays for the Djiboutian team Arta / Solar7 since November 2020.
The streets will never forget Song's performances in the 2011-12 season, especially that assist for Robin van Persie's iconic volley against Everton.
Arsenal have been represented by legions of top players over the years and we salute those former Gunners who are still active in professional football.
Many Arsenal players from the late 2000s and early 2010s have already retired. However, there are still a handful of companions hanging around for miles around the world.
We took a closer look at seven former Gunners who we couldn't believe were still playing competitively at the end of 2022.
Emmanuel AdebayorIn January 2006, Arsenal spent £3million on Monaco striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Baby Kanu, as he became known, then had a memorable stay in North London.
The striker was sent off in the 2007 League Cup final, scored Arsenal's 100th goal at the Emirates and enjoyed a plethora of unforgettable moments.
Despite this, Adebayor will be remembered for his goal against the Gunners shortly after moving to Manchester City. You know this one.
And now, according to Transfermarkt, the player is plying his trade for AC Semassi FC in the top league of his home country. With the league currently inactive, it will be interesting to see if the striker will continue his playing career once the season starts in November.
Until he officially announces his retirement, Adebayor certainly qualifies on our list. We make the rules here.
READ: A rare celebration of Peak Adebayor and his superb stint at Arsenal
Amaury BischoffEven the staunchest Arsenal supporters will struggle to remember Bischoff's name.
The central midfielder arrived in north London in 2008 and was even described as one of 'Arsene Wenger's leftiest signings' by the club's website. Zinger.
Given he's only made four appearances for the Gunners, we can't say much about his time in the capital. But we can reveal that the Portuguese is still competing in the fourth tier of French football with SR Colmar.
Lucas PodolskiAs a World Cup winner, Bundesliga champion and proud owner of a kebab shop, there's little Podolski hasn't done with his life.
In 2012, the Polish-born German left hometown club FC Koln and joined Arsenal. In 82 games, Podolski scored 31 goals and even helped the team win the FA Cup.
Today, the striker terrorizes Polish Ekstraklasa defenders. Although that might not be the right adjective, considering he only scored nine goals in 38 appearances for Gornik Zabrze.
Mathieu DebuchyDespite remaining with the club for four years after signing in 2014, Debuchy suffered an inconsistent time at the Emirates which was marred by injury.
Despite winning the Community Shield and the FA Cup, the full-back gave way to Hector Bellerin in his first season and never regained Arsene Wenger's trust.
Debuchy returned to France on loan with Bordeaux before signing for St Etienne in 2018. He joined Valenciennes in 2021 and is still at the club today.
Alex SongAt 35, Alex Song still plays competitive football. We are as surprised as you.
At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the former Arsenal player was one of nine players dismissed by Swiss club FC Sion. But the midfielder continues and plays for the Djiboutian team Arta / Solar7 since November 2020.
The streets will never forget Song's performances in the 2011-12 season, especially that assist for Robin van Persie's iconic volley against Everton.
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