CALL it fate, if you like.
Alex Runarsson, 25, was confirmed as Emiliano Martinez’s replacement at Arsenal, after moving from French side Dijon for £1.5million.
Alex Runarsson has replaced Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal’s No2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
An Iceland international, the 6ft 1in stopper could be in line for his debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City.
However, when he was 10 playing between the sticks was the last thing on his mind.
Runarsson was a promising outfield player, until he was rushed to hospital with crippling stomach pains.
After emergency surgery to a burst appendix, he was back in football five months later.
However, he was forced into picking up some gloves – and found his calling.
FOOTBALL WAS IN HIS BLOOD
Runarsson grew up with football in his life from an early age.
His dad, Runar Kristinsson is a legend in his homeland.
Captain of Iceland, as well as his country’s most capped player, he played in midfield all over Europe, before settling in Belgium.
“In my sub-conscience it prepared me very well for the life as a professional myself,” said Runarsson revealed.
Runarsson’s dad Runar Kristinsson played 104 times for IcelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
When Runarsson was a kid his appendix burst and he was rushed to hospitalCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
It was natural for Runarsson to want to follow in his father’s footsteps. And he too began playing in midfield.
But, his football ambitions were put on ice after an unfortunate incident.
Suffering with excruciating pains in his stomach, his parents rushed their son to hospital.
It was discovered that his appendix had burst, and he needed emergency surgery.
Runarsson was bedridden and had to wait nearly half a year before he could kick a football again.
Although, it wasn’t in a position he was familiar with. When he returned to training, he didn’t have the strength to run up and down the pitch like he used to.
So, he picked up a pair of gloves and went in goal. It’s where he found his home.
COMMON GOAL
When he was a youngster, Runarsson’s family always made him think of those less fortunate than himself.
“I remember so many moments in my life where my mum and dad were helping people around them, even if it was just small things,” he said.
A trip to South Africa with his dad encouraged Runarsson to get into charity work
Runarsson became a member of Common Goal in 2017
In 2018 Runarsson gave up his time and visited South Africa
In 2017, while at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, he made the conscious decision to join Juan Mata’s Common Goal project to give something back.
Members of Common Goal donate one per cent of their income to projects designed to help those in poverty and help tackle the greatest social challenges of our time.
Runarsson was, in particularly, interested in offering his charity to a country close to his heart, South Africa.
In 2014, he tagged along with his dad and uncle to the African country, who handed out football shirts to poor kids at a local football academy. It was a trip that left a mark on the-then 19-year-old.
He revealed: “There’s never been a place that caught my mind as much as South Africa.
“I felt a connection with the place and the people there.”
COMBATING SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST ISSUES
Through Common Goal, Runarsson requested to team up with a football4good organisation based in South Africa.
It was there a long-lasting relationship with training4changeS began.
In Stellenbosch, young people face huge challenges from unemployment and HIV/AIDS to recruitment into gangs, gun violence and racial injustice.
Runarsson has teamed up with training4changeS to change the lives of impoverished kids
Runarsson’s girlfriend Asdis Bjork joined him for the trip
Bjork and Runarsson have dated for eight years
Runarsson will provide competition for Arsenal’s NO1 Bernd LenoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Training4changeS is trying to change that through the power of football.
They engage young people and give them the tools and values to become changemakers in their local communities.
By mentoring the young people, promoting social inclusion and supporting their education, the organisation also aims to fuel socioeconomic development from the bottom up.
In 2018, Runarsson flew to South Africa with his family, including girlfriend of eight years Asdis Bjork and visited two local communities, where he gained knowledge of the racial divide the people face, as well as the poverty-stricken conditions they live in.
Then he took part in a kickabout with boys from the training4changeS futsal academy.
Before he left, Runarsson delivered words of encouragement to his audience.
“Don’t stop believing in yourself, surround yourself with good role models, have big dreams, don’t be afraid to dream.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
