Former AFTV favourite Claude Callegari tragically dies as Arsenal legend Ian Wright leads tributes to ‘proud Gunners fan’
AFTV #AFTV
Former AFTV favourite Claude Callegari has tragically died at the age of 58.
Claude was a regular on the popular YouTube channel before leaving last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AFTV
Popular Arsenal fan Claude Callegari has sadly passed away
A statement from his official Twitter account, ‘Claude and the Bansta’s’, 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 29th March.
“We ask that you please respect the privacy of Claude, his family and friends and be respectful at this extremely sad time.
“RIP dear friend, gone but never be forgotten. Gooner for life.”
Claude was an ever-present on AFTV, which was founded in 2012, along with DT, Ty and presenter Robbie Lyle.
He was a popular guest with regular rants on Arsenal and the team’s shortfalls, and was famed online for telling Arsene Wenger, ‘IT’S TIME TO GO’.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright led the tributes to Claude on social media, AFTV also posted a lengthy tribute to one of their original contributes.
An AFTV statement read: “We are absolutely devastated today to learn of the death of Claude Callegari, one of the channel’s most popular contributors.
“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.
“We will not be publishing any content on our platform over the next few days whilst we come to terms with the news of his passing.
“R.I.P Claude Callegari | Father, Grand Father, Friend And A Proud Arsenal Fan.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal showed their respects to Claude by tweeting: “Sending our condolences to Claude’s family, friends and everyone who cherished him.
“His passion for the club was undeniable and he will be missed.”
Lyle wrote: “Claude had a heart of gold. I remember when he joined me on my walk around London Premier League grounds to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK. I didn’t have to ask him he just came. RIP Claude.”
Everton winger Yannick Bolasie also wrote on social media: “RIP Claude AFTV Certiii condolences to all his family, while there were shows of support from other fans outside of Arsenal.