An Arsenal goalkeeper thought his career was finished after being called up to the starting XI - while drunk.
Emiliano Viviano was Arsenal’s third-choice keeper during the 2013/14 season and never made a competitive appearance for the club. But he did come close to featuring during an away trip to Everton after back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski fell ill.
Wojciech Szczesny was the Gunners’ number one that season and so, not expecting to be involved, Viviano spent the night before the Premier League fixture partying with friends.
Emiliano Viviano never made a competitive appearance for Arsenal, having left Inter Milan to join the Gunners.placeholder image
Emiliano Viviano never made a competitive appearance for Arsenal, having left Inter Milan to join the Gunners. | Getty Images
He said he was still out at around 2am when he received a message telling him to be ready for a 6.30am pick-up.
Speaking to the Sun Viviano, now 40, said: “I had drunk half a bottle of vodka. I went to my friend who owned the night club and showed him the message. He asked: ‘What now?’ I replied: ‘Now bring me more vodka.’
Read More
“I got home, had a shower and when I arrived in the dressing room in Liverpool, the great Santi Cazorla told me: ‘You smell of alcohol, it’s disgusting.’
“It was the only time in my life I almost had a panic attack. I couldn’t see anything and kept repeating to myself: ‘If I have to play, my career is over.’”
In the end, Szcezesny played the full 90 minutes, with Viviano sat nursing his hangover on the bench. The Gunners lost 3-0 at Goodison Park that day.
Viviano left Arsenal in 2014 to join Sampdoria, where he spent four seasons. Reflecting on his time in north London, he said he had expected more under Arsene Wenger but accepted the competition for places was too strong.
He said: “At Arsenal, there was Wenger. I was expecting something revolutionary.
“In terms of approach, he was a normal coach, but I didn’t play because Szczesny had an incredible season, and there was also Fabianski.
“In my career, I made several decisions with my gut, and leaving Inter is the only regret I have.”
Viviano retired in 2024 after making more than 400 appearances in Italian football. During his career, he played for clubs including Inter Milan, Palermo, Fiorentina, Bologna and Sampdoria.
Continue Reading