Mikel Arteta pays tribute to Billy Vigar after former Arsenal player dies aged 21 | OneFootball

The striker joined the Gunners’ academy at 14

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Billy Vigar after the former Arsenal academy player tragically died this week.

He was placed in an induced coma after the incident and, on Thursday, the family announced his death.

Vigar came through Arsenal’s academy, joining them at the age of 14, and he signed scholarship terms with them in 2020.

After loan spells at Derby County and Eastbourne Borough, the striker left the Gunners four years later to join Hastings United.

“Well, it’s shocking news, when I got it yesterday, obviously,” said Arteta.

“Straight away [I am] thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this, in a very unexpected way as well.

“And hopefully they will dig in and understand what happened, why it happened and try to avoid these kind of things.

“But really sad news, and our full support with the family and our thoughts with all the loved ones.”

Arsenal paid tribute to Vigar with a statement posted on their website on Thursday afternoon.

“As well as his significant talent, Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club - he once called the day he was spotted by our scouts as ’the most important of his life’ – and a character beloved by teammates and coaches alike,” said the statement.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”