Arsenal pundit dies after ‘I’ll disappear soon’ tweet
A regular pundit on Arsenal’s popular fan-based video blogs was found dead after writing on social media that he would “disappear soon”.
Ian Wright and club officials led condolences last night after the family of Claude Callegari confirmed in a statement that the taxi driver had died suddenly.
Prior to being found on Monday, the 58-year-old, once a regular on Arsenal Fan TV, had told his online following he would “disappear soon to see my mother then you can all be happy”.
Callegari became popular for his outspoken criticism of Arsene Wenger and featured until July 2020, when he was removed after being accused of making a racist comment about Tottenham forward Son Heung-min. He continued to release content on his own Youtube channel.
A statement released on behalf of the family read: “We can’t believe we are writing this, with permission from Claude’s father, it is with great sadness and a broken heart that we have to announce that our dear friend and legend Claude sadly passed away yesterday afternoon, March 29.”
Afterwards, the club hailed his passion for Arsenal. “Sending our condolences to Claude’s family, friends and everyone who cherished him. His passion for the club was undeniable and he will be missed.”
AFTV said in a statement that it was “absolutely devastated”, and that the Youtube channel would be taken off air while it processed the news.
One of Callegari’s final tweets reportedly came in response to criticism of his analysis. “No one is forcing you to watch it don’t worry I will disappear soon to see my mother then you can all be happy,” he wrote.
Wright, the former Arsenal striker, wrote “RIP Claude”, while AFTV founder and presenter Robbie Lyle added: “Claude had a heart of gold. I remember when he joined me on my walk around London Premier League grounds to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK. I didn’t have to ask him he just came. RIP Claude.”
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell also expressed his sadness, while fans of Callegari shared clips of his rants and arguments on Arsenal Fan TV, with his most memorable calling on Unai Emery to be sacked.