Former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu set to run for president of Nigeria in 2019

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu has announced he will run for president of Nigeria in 2019.

Kanu, who once played for Ajax and Arsenal said he had the dream of transforming Nigeria for a long time.

The former Nigerian international addressed his supporters after revealing his intentions of becoming president.

 “My presence here today is about the future of our country and the happiness of our people,” said Kanu.

“The last 18 years of leadership has witnessed a decline in all critical sectors of life in Nigeria, plus general insecurity in the land.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

“Also, I’ll do all it takes to wrestle corruption which has become blatant and widespread. The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption.

“If I get your mandate, I promise to do things differently and restore honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best.

"George Weah's victory in Liberia is a pointer that this dream is very realistic with you all on my side."

Kanu has always been passionate about politics ever since ending his professional football career at Portsmouth in 2012.