Derby County cult hero Colin Kazim-Richards has confirmed a move to Arsenal as part of their coaching setup for the future.
The experienced striker joined the Rams in 2020, plugging a gap in the strikeforce under manager Phillip Cocu.
While expectations of the forward were uncertain, he became a fan favourite at Pride Park with a hardworking style that won over the supporters.
The 37-year-old scored 12 goals with three assists in 63 appearances for Derby, which turned out to be his penultimate club in his professional career.
Kazim-Richards had 18 teams in that senior career, scoring 93 goals in over 550 appearances.
With that in mind, it appears as though his transition towards coaching is underway with a move to Arsenal this summer.
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Colin Kazim-Richards joins Arsenal
With that move to coaching now in motion, former Derby striker Kazim-Richards has confirmed he will be part of the academy setup at Arsenal.
Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), the former Turkey international said, translated from Portuguese: “I am pleased to announce that I am officially part of the @Arsenal academy coaching team.
“It is an honour to be part of a club so renowned for its commitment to excellence and development.”
It’s a move that sees Kazim-Richards return to Arsenal, a team he played for at youth level from 1998-2001.
With a vast wealth of experience, his appointment will surely be one that can help the Gunners build for the future.
Former Derby County players in coaching
Kazim-Richards becomes the latest of a long list of former Derby players who have made the move into coaching over the years.
High-profile names such as Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole have made that switch recently, while Bradley Johnson and Jake Buxton are amongst those in the Rams’ academy setup.
It remains to be seen who could be next, with players often looking to switch the pitch for a position in the dugout.