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Former Arsenal star looks unrecognisable with thick glasses and grey beard as he commentates on Leeds win


AN Arsenal hero looks totally unrecognisable with a set of thick glasses and a grey beard.

The former midfielder hung up his boots and retired way back in 2003 after an impressive Premier League career.

This Arsenal hero looks unrecognisable with thick glasses and a grey beardCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

But he has still remained passionate about football in those 19 years since his retirement as he was spotted at the Emirates during the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Leeds.

The now 52-year-old provided commentary next to Russell Hargreaves and saw his former team move one point from third-placed Chelsea.

Look carefully and try to picture him with a rich head of hair from back in the 90s.

The mystery man doing commentary is, believe it or not, David Hillier.

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Hillier has exchanged his football boots for media work these days and went from being in the heart of the action to calling it from the stands.

Hargreaves tweeted a picture of them two with the following caption: “Delighted to be back alongside former @Arsenal midfielder @davehillierr for [Arsenal vs Leeds].

“Time for a huge #PremierLeague showdown at a sun-soaked Emirates Stadium. So much at stake for both sides!”

Hillier started out at Arsenal’s academy when he was 15 years old and was promoted to the senior team four years later.

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He went on to amass a total of two goals and seven assists in 118 appearances across all competitions.

Sadly, his career was blighted by injury that forced him out of the North Londoners’ FA and League Cup successes in 1993 as well as the Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Parma the following year.

After eight successful years, Hillier moved to Portsmouth where he stayed until 1999.

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Arsenal hero David Hillier experienced plenty of success during his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
David Hillier has switched to media after his retirement from footballCredit: Rex

He then signed with Bristol Rovers until his departure in 2002 and subsequent retirement at Barnet.

After rolling credits on his football career, Hillier embarked on a different journey as he became one of our brave firefighters based at Avon Fire & Rescue in Bristol.

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