Nigeria, May 30 -- Former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has been identified as one of the figures who helped shape the football identity of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The American politician effusively described the Arsenal legend as a symbol of familiarity and representation during his childhood.

Writing in The Athletic ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Mamdani reflected on his lifelong connection with the North London club and how Kanu played a key role in that journey.

"My relationship with my club began the same way it does for most football fans: before I was old enough to understand what I was getting myself into," Mr Mamdani wrote.

"When I was nine, my uncle introduced me to a t...