Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has disclosed that Liberian President-elect, George Weah has invited him to his inauguration on January 22.
However, he said that he may be “too busy” to attend the event, which comes up two days before the return leg of Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea in the League Cup semi final.
As the manager of Monaco in 1988, Wenger signed then 22-year-old Weah, who went on to win the 1995 World Best Player award.
The 51-year-old Weah will succeed Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on January 22, which will mark the country’s first democratic transfer of power in 70 years.
Wenger said, “I have been invited by George to come to the day where he will be president. I believe I will be busy. Maybe if I’m suspended I’ll have time to go.
“What’s important is when you look at his life, and I think the life of this guy is a real film, it’s unbelievable. You can make a fantastic film.
“I remember when I saw him for the first time in Monaco, coming in a bit lost, not knowing anybody, not being rated by anybody as a player and after, in 1995, becoming the best player in the world.
“Now he’s president of his country — it’s an unbelievable story. But it’s down to the fact that one thing that was common in George’s attitude is being strong mentally, absolutely unbelievably convinced that he has a mission.”
He added, “I didn’t think at that point that he would become president of his country, but today when I look back, I must say I’ve seen him crying when war was on in Liberia.
“It’s a happy story and I wish that he has a happy presidency. I would like to say this guy is an example for everybody who plays football today, for all the players.”