World Cup ace who snubbed Arsenal after being offered shirt number became farmer
Shilla Illiasu had seemingly planted the seeds of what was set to be a promising career at Arsenal – he then snubbed their advance and is now planting Maize seeds in his own field.
Illiasu, 41, was one of the breakout stars of the 2006 World Cup which saw Ghana overcome the USA and Czech Republic to reach the knockout stages of the competition. While they were beaten 3-0 by a Brazilian side spearheaded by Ronaldo, the reputation of all of their players was significantly enhanced.
So much so that before Ghana's clash against the Czechs, Arsene Wenger was interested in signing Illiasu, even attributing the defender his own shirt number. However, for a reason even he doesn't even know, he turned the Gunners down and went on to play for Russian side Saturn Ramenskoe.
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âWhen the opportunity to play for Arsenal came, I was in doubt. I didnât think my dream was coming to pass. I love Arsenal," Shilla narrated to TV3. âAfter our game against Czech Republic, I was at the hotel when my agent came to me and said âShilla, gradually we are getting close, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was at the stadium and so after the tournament, you are going to Arsenal for trialâ.
âI went to Arsenal for two weeks. I nearly signed a deal. I remember Ghanaâs [post-World Cup friendly] game against Togo in London, I came to the match and saw a journalist and he said âShilla, congratulations you have been given the No.27 jersey to represent Arsenalâ.
What other players surprisingly rejected Arsenal? Let us know in the comment section below
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"Kolo Toure was there and he also said âsign, what are you waiting for?â and I told him I was waiting for my agent. If you ask me what really went wrong, I canât tell. I really regret not signing for Arsenal."
Nowadays, Illiasu is enjoying a completely different life. He is a farmer in his native Ghana, where he likes to grow Maize and tend to his crops.
âBefore you invest in farming, you donât just wake up and say âI want to enter into farmingâ you go to the experts,â he said to TV3. âWhat I know is that when you plan you donât fail. From the beginning, if you donât plan you fail.
âYou know farming is our backbone. We have people around who have the knowledge in farming that you can go to – CSIR Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research and the other one from Nyankpala so we spoke on the investment I am going to do.
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