The former Nigeria captain and two-time African Player of the Year continues to hold great pride in the Gunners’ journey and transformation over the years.
As Arsenal celebrate a long-awaited return to domestic dominance and turn their focus to Champions League glory, the club legend reflected on what this success means for former players, the influence of Mikel Arteta’s leadership, and whether this exciting squad can build something truly enduring.
Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain, Kanu shared insights drawn from experience at the highest level of football in this exclusive interview with Flashscore.com.
As an Arsenal legend, how special is it for you to see the club finally reclaim the Premier League title after 22 years?
"It means a lot because Arsenal is a massive club, and people always believed, hoped, and expected us to be competing for trophies again. We have come close in recent years, finishing second back-to-back, and now we have finally won it.
"All the legends are proud and happy for the team, the manager, the players, and everyone at the club. They deserve enormous credit for what they have achieved. As former players and lifelong supporters, we are delighted because we all love Arsenal and want to see the club succeed.
"Now, nobody can say Arsenal do not win trophies anymore. That narrative has changed."
At what stage of the season did you begin to believe Arsenal would win the Premier League?
"After the first phase of the season, I knew we were going to win the Premier League. We had the strongest defence in the league, and not only that, we also had quality players in both the starting XI and on the bench. When you have strength and competition in every position, it gives you a huge advantage over the course of a season. That depth and balance in the squad convinced me that Arsenal had everything needed to become champions."
Do you think this Arsenal team can go again and defend the title next season?
"Yes, because they have taken something out of themselves by proving they can win, so the pressure is no longer the same. They have tested themselves, achieved it, and now it is about playing with freedom and confidence.
"At this stage, they need to relax, trust their quality, and continue to build momentum. With that experience behind them, they can focus on staying consistent and keeping the winning mentality to secure more trophies."
Arsenal are one step away from more glory as they look to end their long wait for a Champions League title. Ahead of the final against defending champions PSG, where do you see this game being decided?
"I told my friends that last season, we were struggling against Manchester City, and they went on to win the league. But this season, the table changed, and we have come out on top to win the Premier League title. In the same way, PSG won the Champions League last year, but I truly believe that this season it will be Arsenal’s turn to go all the way and lift the trophy, making it a historic year for the club."
You were beaten by PSG in the semis, and now you meet them again in the final. What do you think has changed for both sides compared?
"Last season is completely different from this one. If you look at our Champions League run, we haven’t lost a single game, and reaching the final on that record gives us real belief that we can go all the way.
"Some may call it revenge, but for us, it is about proving ourselves and finishing the job. We really need it, and with this mentality, we are confident we can definitely get it done."
How highly do you rate Viktor Gyokeres as a striker, and what stands out most about his game?
"He is, of course, among the top strikers we have playing in the league right now. At the same time, there are other forwards in competition with him who also bring quality, and that pushes everyone to improve. When you have strong competition for places, it helps players raise their level. If those others were given the same opportunities, they would also perform well.
"But as a striker, I believe he is definitely one of the best in the game today."
Do you see any similarities between Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta in the way they manage football?
"I can’t really say too much, but Arteta has done well. However, the Professor is still the Professor. Arteta played under him, and he knows that Arsene Wenger is someone completely different in his approach and legacy.
"Of course, people often judge Arteta by trophies, but I don’t think that is fair. You should judge him by the team he has built and the standards he has maintained at the club. He has done very well, but I don’t think there is any need to compare them, as they are completely different managers in different eras and situations."
Do you think Mikel Arteta can go on to become a Wenger-like legendary figure at Arsenal?
"A lot of records are made to be broken, so why not? If he continues in this way and keeps improving, there is no reason he cannot achieve it. He has the potential to be there, and I genuinely hope he does. That is something everyone would wish for him.
"It is all about consistency and progress, and if he maintains this level, then he will certainly put himself in a position to reach that kind of legacy."