EMILIANO VIVIANO thought his career was over after he was unexpectedly called up while pissed drunk.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper, who was third-choice during the 2013/14 season, never played a match for the Gunners.
But he came close to appearing for Arsene Wenger‘s men during an away trip to Everton, when back-up custodian Lukas Fabianski became ill.
Viviano did not expect to travel and was out partying with his friends the night before the Premier League fixture.
The 40-year-old said: “I went out partying and around 2am, I stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and read an SMS: ‘Fabianski is ill, a car will come to pick you up at 6.30am’.
“I had drunk half a bottle of vodka. I went to my friend who owned the night club and showed him the message.
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“He asked: ‘What now?’ I replied: ‘Now bring me more vodka.’
“I got home, had a shower and when I arrived in the dressing room in Liverpool, the great Santi Cazorla told me: ‘You smell of alcohol, it’s disgusting.’
“It was the only time in my life I almost had a panic attack. I couldn’t see anything and kept repeating to myself: ‘If I have to play, my career is over.’
Fortunately for the Italian, Arsenal’s No1 Wojciech Szczesny lasted the entire 90 minutes without any issues, although Arsenal fell to a 3-0 defeat.
Viviano left Arsenal in 2014 to join Italian side Sampdoria where he spent the following four seasons.
He added: “At Arsenal, there was Wenger. I was expecting something revolutionary.
“In terms of approach, he was a normal coach, but I didn’t play because Szczesny had an incredible season, and there was also Fabianski.
“In my career, I made several decisions with my gut, and leaving Inter is the only regret I have.”
Viviano retired in 2024 after making over 400 appearances in Italian football.
He was back up to Julio Cesar at Inter, before leaving them and going on to play for Palermo, Fiorentina, Bologna and Sampdoria.
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