Arsenal new signing Alex Runarsson became keeper because of burst appendix, has glamorous Wag and donates to Common Goal

CALL it fate, if you like.

Alex Runarsson, 25, was confirmed as Emiliano Martinez's replacement at Arsenal, after moving from French side Dijon for £1.5million.

An Iceland international, the 6ft 1in stopper could be in line for his debut in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City.

However, when he was 10 playing between the sticks was the last thing on his mind.

Runarsson was a promising outfield player, until he was rushed to hospital with crippling stomach pains.

After emergency surgery to a burst appendix, he was back in football five months later.

However, he was forced into picking up some gloves – and found his calling.

FOOTBALL WAS IN HIS BLOOD

Runarsson grew up with football in his life from an early age.

His dad, Runar Kristinsson is a legend in his homeland.

Captain of Iceland, as well as his country's most capped player, he played in midfield all over Europe, before settling in Belgium.

“In my sub-conscience it prepared me very well for the life as a professional myself,” said Runarsson revealed.

It was natural for Runarsson to want to follow in his father's footsteps. And he too began playing in midfield.

But, his football ambitions were put on ice after an unfortunate incident.

Suffering with excruciating pains in his stomach, his parents rushed their son to hospital.

It was discovered that his appendix had burst, and he needed emergency surgery.

Runarsson was bedridden and had to wait nearly half a year before he could kick a football again.

Although, it wasn't in a position he was familiar with. When he returned to training, he didn't have the strength to run up and down the pitch like he used to.

So, he picked up a pair of gloves and went in goal. It's where he found his home.

COMMON GOAL

When he was a youngster, Runarsson's family always made him think of those less fortunate than himself.

“I remember so many moments in my life where my mum and dad were helping people around them, even if it was just small things," he said.

In 2017, while at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, he made the conscious decision to join Juan Mata's Common Goal project to give something back.

Members of Common Goal donate one per cent of their income to projects designed to help those in poverty and help tackle the greatest social challenges of our time.

Runarsson was, in particularly, interested in offering his charity to a country close to his heart, South Africa.

In 2014, he tagged along with his dad and uncle to the African country, who handed out football shirts to poor kids at a local football academy. It was a trip that left a mark on the-then 19-year-old.

He revealed: "There’s never been a place that caught my mind as much as South Africa.

"I felt a connection with the place and the people there.”

COMBATING SOUTH AFRICA'S BIGGEST ISSUES

Through Common Goal, Runarsson requested to team up with a football4good organisation based in South Africa.

It was there a long-lasting relationship with training4changeS began.

In Stellenbosch, young people face huge challenges from unemployment and HIV/AIDS to recruitment into gangs, gun violence and racial injustice.

Training4changeS is trying to change that through the power of football.

They engage young people and give them the tools and values to become changemakers in their local communities.

By mentoring the young people, promoting social inclusion and supporting their education, the organisation also aims to fuel socioeconomic development from the bottom up.

In 2018, Runarsson flew to South Africa with his family, including girlfriend of eight years Asdis Bjork and visited two local communities, where he gained knowledge of the racial divide the people face, as well as the poverty-stricken conditions they live in.

Then he took part in a kickabout with boys from the training4changeS futsal academy.

Before he left, Runarsson delivered words of encouragement to his audience.

"Don’t stop believing in yourself, surround yourself with good role models, have big dreams, don't be afraid to dream."

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