It is rare to see a royal father showing so much emotion for a popular game as football, not to talk of a football team. But the newly installed Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is an exception. The revered Emir is said to be passionately in love with English Premiership side, Arsenal.

Sanusi Lamido, according to those close to him, has been a strong supporter of the club right from his childhood. So much in love with the team that the Emir hardly misses any of Arsenal’s games and whenever he missed any, he ensures that he watches the highlights or the entire match at his convenience.

Insider sources said one way to get the Emir to give you his best smile, is to go on a seemingly endless praise of Arsenal Wenger–tutored team or a mere shout of ‘Up Gunners’ could make him pull down part of his turban for a good laugh.

It was said that anytime Arsenal loses, it can ruin his day. But when the team wins, he is always in high spirits.

We learnt that he loves the club so much that he occasionally travels to London to watch the club’s live matches. Also, he is among the top gold card carrying members of the club which allows him into VIP section of Emirates, the official stadium and headquarters of the club popularly known as Gunners.

Sanusi before being installed the Emir recently was a successful banker and was a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was appointed on 3 June 2009 for a five-year term, but was suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan on 20 February 2014.