Footballers occasionally face temptations off the pitch, and one notable incident from Arsenal’s 2013/14 Premier League campaign highlights the discipline required at the top level. Santi Cazorla confronted teammate Emiliano Viviano, labeling him “disgusting” after the Italian goalkeeper arrived at a match reeking of alcohol.
The Shocking Dressing Room Confrontation
During Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Everton late in the season at Goodison Park, Lukasz Fabianski withdrew due to illness, thrusting Viviano into the squad as a last-minute replacement. Viviano, on a season-long loan from Palermo, had been enjoying a night out. He received the urgent call around 2 a.m. after consuming half a bottle of vodka.
“I’m not called up for Everton versus Arsenal, and I’m having a night out,” Viviano recalled. “At around 2AM, I go out for a cigarette and read a text message: ‘Fabianski has been ill, a car will pick you up at six thirty.’ I had drunk half a bottle of vodka and I go over to my friend who owns the nightclub and have him read the message. He looks at me: ‘What now?’… ‘Now bring me more vodka’. “
He returned home at dawn, showered, and headed to Liverpool. In the dressing room, Cazorla did not hold back: “You smell of alcohol, you’re disgusting.” Viviano nearly suffered a panic attack, later admitting, “It was the only time in my life I almost had a panic attack, I couldn’t see, and I kept telling myself: ‘If I have to come on, my career is over’.”
Viviano’s Brief and Unfulfilled Arsenal Spell
Viviano never featured for Arsenal, overshadowed by Wojciech Szczesny and Fabianski. Despite the Gunners’ FA Cup triumph—their 11th—he remained ineligible for a winner’s medal due to lack of appearances. He later thrived back in Italy with Fiorentina.
Arsenal, under Arsene Wenger, dazzled with fluid play from stars like Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, and vice-captain Mikel Arteta, but Viviano’s mishap underscored the fine line between success and self-destruction.
