Last week, after the 3-1 win over Man Utd at the Emirates stadium, we saw pictures of Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry sitting together at the game. There were also post-game pictures with the two of them sharing some time with Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
They weren’t the only former Gunners present either. Fellow Invincibles Jens Lehmann and Gilberto were there in a professional capacity, spending time with Technical Director Edu after the thrilling win over a rudderless United.
Speaking about the return of former players, Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports how pleased he was to see them back at the club.
“I always said they are all welcome here,” he said. “The experiences they had together, what they transmitted as a team, and what they actually achieved was phenomenal.
“That’s for the history and the legacy of the Premier League, so for us to have contact, for them to feel welcome here, and for them to be supportive with what we want to do, I think it’s something really valuable and important.
“I was really pleased to see them back here with smiles on their faces, feeling relaxed and doing something that is natural, and that should happen in a natural way because it’s their club.
“The way Arsenal is viewed today is because of players and people like them.”
Arteta also expanded a bit on the plans for the summer which, he says, are well constructed but still subject to various factors in and out of our control.
“It will depend,” he said. “How many players are back from their loans, with the commitments we still have with them; our financial position in relation to where we finish; the clubs’ demands when we want to buy players or sell players.
“There are a lot of question marks there, but this is football. We’ve been through a lot in the last two seasons and we are going to try to manage it in the best possible way.
“The good thing is that the plan is clear, but the plan is just the plan until you start to work through that plan.
“Then, every decision and every situation is going to allow you – or not allow you – to be as close as possible to that plan, which is our aim.”
You missed some. Also in the ground was big Sol Campbell wearing some fetching sunglasses, Freddie was doing commentary for Swedish TV and most importantly of all … the legend that is NASRI was in the crowd. (Joking, he’s an Uber legend of course)
Lovely moment last week when Bergkamp met and hugged ESR. Emile’s smile said it all, genuine warmth and respect. Arsenal legend and future legend together. COYG!
Would love to see more of this. Can’t do any harm keeping our excllent young players at the club.
And one day, a slightly overweight ESR will walk out of the tunnel and hug Zayn Ali Salman.
Excuse me while I break into “The Circle of Life” in grating soprano.
Didn’t know Nasri had taken to driving taxis these days. Couldn’t really care less, to be honest.
Back on topic, great to see footballing deities back in our pristine pitch. My wife and I are expecting towards the end of the year. I’m trying to convince her that Dennis Thierry would be a good name if it’s a boy.
Good luck! I couldn’t get Charlie George for my son (a friend’s son was called Charlie) but ended up with Harvey George.
Thanks, congrats with baby Harvey (the name is close enough)!
I have to say right now Mrs isn’t super keen on Dennis, Thierry or Patrick, but she said she’s open to other suggestions…
Tricky given the legendary status of those three, hard to think of better players. Terry instead of Thierry? And Henry as the middle name?
Freddie
Haha, done! I snuck this one past the missus last year. Currently being kept awake by an 8 month old Freddie
In that case defer to Jen’s. Heh
Your son will Jensforth be know as, erm, Jens…
How about Tony Adam? Or Robert, but with a silent “t”.
*Forgot to explain that our eldest, Michael, is known by his middle name Thomas (Tom)
Arsene?
My youngest girls – born in 2005 are twins – officially named Charlotte and Georgia. But yes, they are known by their family and friends as Charlie and George, respectively. You’ve met the twins – so you might as well meet the rest of the family!! My eldest son is called Thomas. Tom was our first and he came along in August 1989. What an incredible summer that was. My eldest daughter, born in 1991, is called Toni. And yes, she is named after Mr Arsenal. My middle son – born in 1998, is called Dennis. Named after the messiah.… Read more »
Ian Nwanko
An Ode to two legends, Kanu & Selly!!
Chris…… kiwomya….
Proud to say I have a Grandson named ‘FREDDIE’
Who doesn’t wish we were back in those days eh….. To see Berkamp and Henry in their prime again for arsenal…. Wenger in his hayday on the side line.. ahhhhhhh 😁😁
North London Forever
Whateva the wevva?
These streets are our own 🎵
Ah! Those were the days! We were a top club that won titles and played in the Champions’ League every season!
Such a long time ago…
It’s good to see them back to motivate our future legends of others can do why not Arsenal.
I’d like to see Dixon and Winterburn deployed on the touchline as ballboys..
Seamen to assume to role of Gunnersaurus and Le Prof to sit on a guilded throne behind the players bench.