Arsenal recently hosted two former players at the Emirates Stadium, but it seems Sky commentator Peter Drury may not have been fully briefed on who was in attendance.
The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory against Newcastle, a result that cemented their place in next season`s Champions League.
Club legend Gilberto Silva, a fan favorite, was shown by Sky cameras watching the match from the stands. The 48-year-old Brazilian played for Arsenal for six seasons between 2002 and 2008. Drury duly acknowledged Gilberto during the commentary, noting his arrival at Arsenal after a “stellar World Cup” 23 years prior.
However, Drury did not mention former Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou, who was seated directly next to Gilberto.
The 38-year-old Swiss defender spent a decade at Arsenal, from 2004 to 2014.
Fans on social media were quick to point out that Sky seemed to have overlooked Djourou during the broadcast segment. Some suggested his current appearance, including a new haircut and beard, made him look significantly different from his playing days at the Emirates.
One fan commented: “Drury didn`t recognise Johan Djourou there, and fair enough.”
Another fan humorously noted: “I love how Skysports didn’t notice Djourou next to Gilberto Silva lool”. A third added: “Johan Djourou aura in 2025 we needed it.”
A fourth fan expressed disappointment, stating: “Commentator acknowledges Gilberto Silva sitting in the stand watching the game but failed to recognise Johan Djourou as a former player of Arsenal. Really bad!”
Since retiring from playing, Djourou now works as a pundit for DAZN in France. After leaving Arsenal in 2014, he played in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark before retiring in 2021.
Despite the challenges he faced, the 38-year-old looks back fondly on his time at Arsenal.
He shared: “I had some incredible moments [at Arsenal], some incredible seasons… 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.”
He continued, “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.”
Reflecting on his identity as a player, he added: “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.”
