The family of former AFTV favourite Claude Callegari have confirmed that the 58-year-old died of 'natural causes'.
Claude, who regularly featured on the popular Arsenal fan YouTube channel before leaving last year, tragically died earlier this week.
On Thursday night, Claude's family released a statement on Twitter confirming the cause of his death, before thanking fans for their 'ongoing support'.
'My family and I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and kind words during this extremely distressing time,' the statement read.
'I am now able to officially confirm that my father passed away from natural causes relating to his health.
'I hope this will ensure an end to any speculation regarding the matter and our privacy can continue to be respected whilst we make arrangements for his funeral. Thank you'.
The 58-year-old was an ever-present on the channel, which boasts over a million subscribers, from when it was first founded in 2012.
Callegari was a famous contributor to the platform with his passionate rants about Arsenal's performances, and went viral for telling former manager Arsene Wenger: 'It's time to go'.
There was concern about Callegari's wellbeing online after he tweeted to a troll:ย 'No one is forcing you to watch it don't worry I will disappear soon to see my mother then you can all be happy'.
Tributes have poured in for Callegari, with Arsenal legend Ian Wright leading the messages of condolences for the popular fan, while comedian Matt Lucas called him a 'legend'.
An AFTV statement read: 'We are absolutely devastated today to learn of the death of Claude Callegari, one of the channel's most popular contributors.
'Claude was a much loved figure during his time on the channel and through his passion for Arsenal was able to connect with fans from around the globe on a meaningful level.
'We had continued to privately support Claude during his time away from the channel during the pandemic and the news of his passing comes as a deep shock to everyone at AFTV and in the wider Arsenal community.
'We will not be publishing any content on our platform over the next few days whilst we come to terms with the news of his passing.
'R.I.P Claude Callegari | Father, Grand Father, Friend And A Proud Arsenal Fan.'
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
secdeintyz
1
soo sad
Pabdlortuz
0
RIP CLAUDE
rockstar777
1
The guy supported Arsenal for about 54 years
nice to see true loyal arsenal fans
Wehatechelsea
0
he must have said im gonna disappear because he knew he was dieng
NorthBankStanding
0
His goal against Bolton in 96.I was like ahh man we ain't goons qualify for Europe again and suddenly he scored a fvking goal out of nothing.He was a genius
A clinical master, on the pitch.
NorthBankStanding
0
It's a disgrace that our stadium named after a company
Total disgrace!! We don't even have any camels. ๐
1976Arsenal
1
Yeh! What a shite name (Emirates)!
It's a disgrace that our stadium named after a company
NorthBankStanding
0
Wow that's great unfortunately I have only met with O Leary and Adams.I have met Bergkamp too in 98 worldcup.He was going with his car and he saw me,he was humble and we chat for two minutes.I was like wow.For me he is the best Attacking player I have seen at this club
Yeh! What a shite name (Emirates)!
1976Arsenal
1
Dennis is the Greatest player I've ever seen๐ช๐ป
His goal against Bolton in 96.I was like ahh man we ain't goons qualify for Europe again and suddenly he scored a fvking goal out of nothing.He was a genius
NorthBankStanding
1
Wow that's great unfortunately I have only met with O Leary and Adams.I have met Bergkamp too in 98 worldcup.He was going with his car and he saw me,he was humble and we chat for two minutes.I was like wow.For me he is the best Attacking player I have seen at this club
Dennis is the Greatest player I've ever seen๐ช๐ป
1976Arsenal
0
Awesome stuff!! I met George Graham's team in my home town, they were on tour. I have a signed poster with all their signatures! When I met Wrighty in 2001, he was with the England over35's team. I also met Marc Bright, Paul Parker, Paul Walsh, Chris Waddle, Gary Mabutt a D many others. Great experiences.
Wow that's great unfortunately I have only met with O Leary and Adams.I have met Bergkamp too in 98 worldcup.He was going with his car and he saw me,he was humble and we chat for two minutes.I was like wow.For me he is the best Attacking player I have seen at this club
NorthBankStanding
1
True.We didn't needed a new stadium.I don't know why Peter Hillwood and David Dein decided to make one.We were competetive and club has become popular,so we were making money and it was running good.But I don't know what happened suddenly and they wanted to build a new stadium and fvking name it Emirates
NorthBankStanding
0
Wow Wrighty.I have had a chance to shake hands with Adams and O Leary but I don't have photo.I met them in 91.
Awesome stuff!! I met George Graham's team in my home town, they were on tour. I have a signed poster with all their signatures! When I met Wrighty in 2001, he was with the England over35's team. I also met Marc Bright, Paul Parker, Paul Walsh, Chris Waddle, Gary Mabutt a D many others. Great experiences.
1976Arsenal
1
Arsenal will never be the same without Highbury. Home The Arsenal.
True.We didn't needed a new stadium.I don't know why Peter Hillwood and David Dein decided to make one.We were competetive and club has become popular,so we were making money and it was running good.But I don't know what happened suddenly and they wanted to build a new stadium and fvking name it Emirates
NorthBankStanding
0
๐๐ Sperms.I have been to London many times.
Arsenal will never be the same without Highbury. Home The Arsenal.
1976Arsenal
1
Myself & Wrighty in 2001
[image]
Wow Wrighty.I have had a chance to shake hands with Adams and O Leary but I don't have photo.I met them in 91.
1976Arsenal
1
Awesome๐ช๐ป๐๐ป 1989 @ Anfield๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป Wimning the league by 1goal! I lived in London for a year (1990), just to watch the Arsenal. I left my job in South Aftica, just to watch them play. I saw a Sperms derby from the North Bank. Still have my match tickets.
๐๐ Sperms.I have been to London many times.
NorthBankStanding
0
That's great mate.Btw I have visited Highbury quite a few times.I was there at the Anfield too,when we won the league in 89.
Myself & Wrighty in 2001
NorthBankStanding
0
That's great mate.Btw I have visited Highbury quite a few times.I was there at the Anfield too,when we won the league in 89.
Awesome๐ช๐ป๐๐ป 1989 @ Anfield๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป Wimning the league by 1goal! I lived in London for a year (1990), just to watch the Arsenal. I left my job in South Aftica, just to watch them play. I saw a Sperms derby from the North Bank. Still have my match tickets.
1976Arsenal
1
True Gooner ๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป (I'm a supporter for 42yrs)
[image]
That's great mate.Btw I have visited Highbury quite a few times.I was there at the Anfield too,when we won the league in 89.
NorthBankStanding
0
natural causes just means he wasn't murdered, lol
Wtf is 'lol'!!! You have NO business here, Princess.
NorthBankStanding
0
The guy supported Arsenal for about 54 years
True Gooner ๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ป (I'm a supporter for 42yrs)
1976Arsenal
4
The guy supported Arsenal for about 54 years
Wuocdekost
0
rip gooner we shall miss you
Dzulfazli
0
RIP
cibbdmns
1
go well comrade
yezcikpruy
1
Rip
Vawabciko
0
look at this chelsea sht talking about arsenal stress him out
Vawabciko
0
some of you guys take every thing for a joke because is not your family
H2S04
2
Rest in peace..One of the greatest Arsenal fan of all time
lenbilmorz
0
RIP
Powklosy
0
RIP
DrFranckeinstein
1
Rip
Yiseiuyz
2
I'm the biggest liverpool fan but no one with a good heart want to see death on anyone especially when they bring joy to people even if it's not you
king-00
0
Rip
AbubakarrKulakoSesay
0
Arsenal stress might be the cause if checked properly...RIP
wowdlprty
0
May his soul rest in peace we're fan's all over the globe ๐ we'll really miss
Gidosky
0
Hhm Thank God he wasn't killed by Covid
AmiriKing07
1
RIP Arsenal 4 life
Vakbilmno
0
natural causes just means he wasn't murdered, lol