Arsenal legend and former England captain, Tony Adams will visit Rwanda this week on the invitation of Airtel Rwanda.

The former Gunners skipper played for the north London club for 19 years, winning over 10 major trophies including three league titles. 

Adams will arrive on Thursday, May 1 to join a delegation which is in the country to conduct a one-week ‘Arsenal Soccer Clinic’ for under 17 footballers from different African countries, starting today.

The countries include; hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia, the defending champions of last year’s Airtel Rising Stars, a pan African tournament held in Nigeria aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent. 

During his visit, Adams will share his legendary football tips and skills with 30 selected Rwandan coaches in a two-day ‘Coach the Coaches’ session to be conducted in conjunction with coaches from the Arsenal Soccer School.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to host one of Arsenal Football Club’s most distinguished players as we continue to support the development of young footballers in Rwanda as well as Africa as whole,” said Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Teddy Bhullar. 

Bhullar added that Adams, who will be visiting Rwanda for the first time, will engage with Rwandan coaches, Ferwafa officials as well as meet and greet with Arsenal fans. 

Adams’ Arsenal career 

Adams captained Arsenal for 14years, earning 669 appearances and winning 10 major trophies. It’s no surprise that ‘Mr. Arsenal’ is regarded as one of the Gunners’ greatest ever players. 

Adams was the ultimate one-club man - an increasing rarity in modern football - and a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. 

He thrived as the leader of the famous ‘Back Four’, developing an instinctive understanding with his centre-back partner Steve Bould and full-backs Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn. 

On an individual level, it’s hard to think of a more committed, more gutsy and more inspirational footballer in Arsenal’s history. 

Former Gunners’ manager George Graham called him "my colossus”; Arsène Wenger described him as a "professor of defence”. 

Technically, Adams was a supreme defender - the timing of his tackles, his reading of the game and his aerial ability made him an awesome opponent. 

Add to that his insatiable appetite for a battle, his mental and physical resilience, his desire and, of course, his leadership, and it’s easy to see why Adams was a hero to the Highbury faithful.  

Arsenal Honours 1983-2002:

669 Appearances (663 starts, 6 subs); 48 Goals; European Cup Winners Cup 93/94; League Championship 88/89, 90/91, 97/98, 01/02; FA Cup 92/93, 97/98, 01/02; League Cup 86/87, 92/93. 

England Caps, 1987-2000: 66.