Mystery al-Qaeda Terrorist Identifies As Portuguese Man In East London

A mystery al-Qaeda terrorist described as an ex-Arsenal footballer has been identified as a Portuguese man who lived in east London.

The masked man appeared in an online video two weeks ago brandishing an AK47 urging others to join the jihad – or Holy War – in Syria. 

He was named in the video as Abu Isa Andaluzi and a caption said: “An ex-football player (Arsenal of London), who left everything for jihad.”

But security services believe the man is Celso Rodrigues Da Costa, who had been living in Leyton, east London with his two brothers.

Arsenal sources say they do not believe Da Costa was a full-time player but said he may have attended talent-spotting coaching sessions.

The video, which urged Muslims in Ukraine or Crimea to join ruthless fighters in Syria, was shown to Arsenal academy coaches.

However, they did not recognise the man’s voice, with one source saying: “All we have to go on is a muffled accent and a set of eyes.”

A club spokesman said: “We do not recognise the individual from the published clips and we don’t have any record of a Mr Celso Rodrigues Da Costa representing the club at any level.”

Suspicion had previously landed on midfielder Lassana Diarra, 29, who played for France and clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Portsmouth.

Diarra had to deny ever going to Syria after rumours swept the internet that he was the man behind the mask.