Arsenal FC: 13 Weirdest Players in Gunners History

There is no denying Arsenal are a great, historic club that have graced world football with some of the best football and players ever produced, from the legendary and historic Cliff Bastin to the 70s magic of George Graham, Pat Rice and David O'Leary, as well as the brilliance of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira and current stars Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.

But the Gunners have also attracted some odd fellows along the way—particularly in recent times. Although there may be an abundance of talent in some Arsenal individuals, there is a tendency for players to stand out for attributes other than their skill.

There have been a number of bizarre Arsenal players who have immediately captured the love and adoration of the fans, while others have just been downright weird.

Nonetheless, Bleacher Report tributes the historic North London club by establishing the 13 weirdest players in the Gunners' history.

13. Bacary Sagna

Arsenal Career: 2007-present
Arsenal Matches: 185

The Frenchman is one of the most consistent players in Arsene Wenger's squad, and has been since he arrived at the Emirates in 2007 from French side AJ Auxerre.

Quietly spoken and oh-so-composed, Bacary Sagna quite frankly boasts the weirdest, yet possibly coolest hair in world football.

The France international also has an obsession with Peter Pan.

12. Glenn Helder

Arsenal Career: 1995-1997
Arsenal Matches: 33
Arsenal Goals: 1

The Dutchman arrived in 1995 from Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem after some stellar displays.

However, Helder failed to replicate that form while in North London.

Considered an eccentric and slightly odd presence, the Netherlands international has admitted to gambling problems, been sent to a psychiatric ward, narrowly avoided jail and somehow received an invite to Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial match in 2006

11. Nicklas Bendtner

Arsenal Career: 2004/2005- (currently on loan at Sunderland)
Arsenal Matches: 157
Arsenal Goals: 45

"

"If you ask me if I am one of the best strikers in the world, I say yes. It is difficult to compare a footballer’s wage to the wage of a bank manager or the manager of a large company. They are, without a doubt, putting a lot into their jobs, and they are important to other people’s lives as well, but my line of work is different to that. I am in the football business and, on the highest level where Arsenal are, football is first-class entertainment. So it is wrong to compare my salary to the salary of businessmen. Compare it to movie actors instead.”

"

Nicklas Bendtner has a high opinion of himself, and although it appears his time may have expired at the Gunners, there is no denying the 23-year-old is a talented striker. However, a slightly arrogant and odd temperament has ensured the Danish sharpshooter can be hard to like. Furthermore, he has a penchant for shiny pink boots.

"

“One of the categories is called ‘self-perceived competence,’ i.e. how good the player himself thinks he is. On a scale up to 9, Bendtner got 10! We have never seen that before. Pat Rice was sitting next to me and couldn’t stop laughing. When Bendtner misses a chance, he is always genuinely convinced that it wasn’t his fault. You might say that’s a problem, and to a certain degree it can be. But you can also view it as this guy has a remarkable ability to come back after setbacks.”

"

French psychologist Jacques Crevoisier

10. John Jensen

Arsenal Career: 1992-1996
Arsenal Matches: 132
Arsenal Goals: 1

The "Faxe," as he was nicknamed at Arsenal, was a much-liked figure with his tireless midfield work, and the fact is that he managed just a mere goal in his four-year spell at the Gunners despite playing as an attacking midfielder.

It took the Dane 98 matches to score for the North London giants, and when the former Blackburn assistant managed to do so against QPR in December 1994, shirts where made stating I saw John Jensen score.

Furthermore, Jensen had a short temper and became known for his wit and sharpness during interviews.

9. Nicholas Anelka

Arsenal Career: 1997-1999
Arsenal Matches: 89
Arsenal Goals: 28

A very talented player who has achieved much in a long and efficient career, Anelka blossomed under Wenger, particularly during the 1998/1999 season in which the Frenchman achieved 18 goals in 45 appearances and secured the PFA Young Player of the Year.

However, Anelka was regarded as a bizarre, sulky presence who would often indulge in temper tantrums and needless disputes with teammates over minor problems.

Despite his temper, though, there was talent within the tantrums. But the Chelsea ace was quite the odd presence during his short yet clinical Arsenal spell.

8. Alan Sunderland

Arsenal Career: 1977-1984
Arsenal Matches: 278
Arsenal Goals: 92

Alan Sunderland will always be remembered at Arsenal for his late winner against Manchester United in the 1979 FA Cup Final.

However, it was hard to miss the Englishman with his perm haircut that stood out from quite a distance.

The midfielder also had a constant tendency to say "you know" and was not regarded highly for his intelligence.

Nonetheless, the England international was a devoted, strong Arsenal player.

7. Nwankwo Kanu

Arsenal Career: 1999-2004
Arsenal Matches: 173
Arsenal Goals: 43

An eccentric, lovable figure, Nwankwo Kanu had a big smile and a tendency to appear uninterested before unleashing magnificent feats of skill to evade defenders.

The Nigerian has achieved superb accolades on and off the field. Kanu has won the UEFA Champions League, African Footballer of the Year, English Premier League, set up the Kanu Heart Foundation and been named UNICEF Ambassador.

However, Arsenal fans will never forget his slightly deranged dance moves and his two-finger salutes alongside that huge, huge smile.

6. Charlie George

Arsenal Career: 1966-1975
Arsenal Matches: 179
Arsenal Goals: 49

Charlie George was a tough, efficient forward who had a somewhat amusing rebellious streak.

The Englishman became a renowned Arsenal player during his impressive displays during the 1970s but had his share of suspensions—most notably foolishly headbutting Liverpool's Kevin Keegan while giving the "V" to Derby County fans during a match (a club he would later join).

Nonetheless, George, with his long locks, was loved at Arsenal despite his temperament.

5. Pascal Cygan

Arsenal Career: 2002-2006
Arsenal Matches: 98
Arsenal Goals: 3

The French defender never really secured the hearts of Arsenal fans despite his best efforts and no-nonsense attitude.

A doughty and composed defender, Cygan was an integral part of Arsenal's 2003/2004 Invincibles feat while greatly aiding Wenger when injuries decimated the Arsenal manager's squad.

Excruciatingly bald and almost out of proportion, the former OSC Lille defender rarely conducted interviews and was always viewed as a somewhat weird human being.

4. Fredrik Ljungberg

Arsenal Career: 1998-2007
Arsenal Matches: 313
Arsenal Goals: 71

One of the greatest midfielders to ever play for Arsenal and possibly in world football, the Swede was a devastating attacker who loved to boast odd hair styles.

They would range from fluorescent Mohawks to bizarre spikes to just plan bald.

Furthermore, Ljungberg had a taste for virtually-nude modeling alongside promoting an array of other products during his Arsenal career.

Never shy to separate from the crowd in terms of fashion or looks, every Arsenal fan adored Sweden's best dynamo.

3. Alexandre Song

Arsenal Career: 2006-present
Arsenal Matches: 166
Arsenal Goals: 10

The Cameroon international has established himself as one of world football's best defensive midfielders with his efficient break-up play, tough tackling and composed presence.

Song is vital to Arsene Wenger's squads. While his performances are very pretty, the former Bastia ace often possesses ugly hair styles.

The styles can contain just plain odd yellow that can spread from a Mohawk to an entire Afro, and even his beard can become tainted.

Furthermore, Song is well known for his eccentric, bizarre fashion which often has his teammates in awe.

Nonetheless, as long as the African maestro continues to perform and stay with Arsenal, fans could not care less.

2. Peter Storey

Arsenal Career: 1961-1977
Arsenal Matches: 501
Arsenal Goals: 17

One of the greatest Arsenal midfielders ever, Peter Storey may be an Arsenal legend, but his exploits off the field are far from legendary.

After amassing more than 500 appearances for the Gunners, the Englishman endured many run-ins with the law, including running a brothel, stealing cars, counterfeiting money and illegally importing pornographic material.

A strange man but regardless a fantastic midfielder.

=1. Jens Lehmann

Arsenal Career:2003-2008, 2011
Arsenal Matches: 195
Arsenal Goals: N/A

Jens Lehman was an outstanding keeper who achieved monumental success during his long career and holds the record for consecutive clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League.

He was the first-choice keeper during the Gunners' famous, historic 2003/2004 season.

However, the German was mad, very mad.

The shot-stopper would pick fights, dive, moan, yell, sulk and happily smile while making phenomenal saves—all during one half.

Nonetheless, Jens Lehmann was loved at Arsenal and always will be.

=1. Emmanuel Eboue

Arsenal Career: 2005-2011
Arsenal Matches: 214
Arsenal Goals: 10

Who else?

Arguably one of the most loved Arsenal players of all time, Emmanuel Eboue was an energetic, versatile presence who always made fans smile—well, mostly.

The Ivorian was constantly dancing, jumping or smiling and was always regarded by teammates as the funniest and weirdest squad member.

"We've only come to see Eboue" was a chant often blared by Arsenal fans at the Emirates due to their love for this odd fellow.

Sadly, the dynamo departed during the recent summer to Turkish giants Galatasaray.