Former AFTV contributor Claude Callegari has passed away aged 58, with ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell and Middlesbrough’s Yannick Bolasie among those to offer their condolences.
Callegari rose to prominence with his passionate rants on AFTV, formerly known as Arsenal Fan TV, a popular YouTube channel which currently has 1.32m subscribers and regularly dissects the Premier League club’s performances.
A statement on Callegari’s Twitter account on Tuesday confirmed his death.
It 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.
“RIP dear friend, gone but never forgotten. Gooner for life.”
AFTV said Callegari was a “much loved” figure, whom they were “privately” supporting after he was removed last year following a remark about Tottenham’s Son Heung-min.
“We are absolutely devastated today to learn of the death of Claude Callegari, one of the channel’s most popular contributors,” AFTV said on Twitter.
“Claude was a much loved figure during his time on the channel and through his passion for Arsenal was able to connect with fans from around the globe on a meaningful level.
“We had continued to privately support Claude during his time away from the channel during the pandemic and the news of his passing comes as a deep shock to everyone at AFTV and in the wider Arsenal community.”
Absolutely Arsenal Mad he was and I loved our debates! This is such sad news
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) March 30, 2021R.I.E.P Claude ????????
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Ex-Arsenal striker Campbell said he was “shocked” by the news, while former Tottenham and Chelsea striker Graham Roberts said Callegari had an “amazing heart” when meeting him last year.
Troopz, who worked alongside Callegari at AFTV, said: “You showed me love from the get go, made my misses feel comfortable when she came to events and always shows my kids love. I hope you are finally at peace godfather.”
AFTV’s Moh Haider said Callegari “was an unbelievably passionate Arsenal man and was brilliantly witty”.
Haider added: “Unfortunately in a world where people take more pride in being ‘savage’ than being nice, he had his ups and downs.
“I really hope that Claude passed away peacefully and painlessly, and my condolences go out to all of his family, friends, fans and all of the millions of people who smiled because of Claude.”
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2QLsj9n
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