Ex-Arsenal player joins ISIL in Syria: Reports

A former Arsenal football player has left behind sporting fame to join a foreign-backed terrorist group in Syria, reports say.

In comments alongside a video released by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), extremists claim that the man, who calls himself Abu Issa al-Andalusi, grew up in Portugal before playing for the north London club.

Al-Andalusi appears wearing a face mask and urges others to join the war.

The posting reads: “He grew up with Ronaldo, played for Arsenal.”