It was one of those moments where you remember where you were when you heard it. I was working on the radio in County Tipperary presenting an afternoon show and having to play truly terrible music.
The news girl came into the studio to do the bulletin and in the sports section I thought I heard her say “And Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp has joined Arsenal from Inter Milan”.
I double checked with her and yes, that is what she said. Amazing. Unbelievable. He hadn’t had a good time in Italy but how the hell had Bruce Rioch convinced Dennis Bergkamp to join a desperately underachieving Arsenal? It doesn’t matter now but just thank God that it did because it truly brought Arsenal up a level and helped us to bring important players to the club. Bergkamp said of his move:
For me the biggest decision in my career was to leave Italy. The first team to knock on the door was Arsenal, so I had a look. I knew they’d been successful in Europe and were a solid team where I could fit in.
At a time when many foreigners were viewed as ‘Carlos Kickaball’ mercenaries Bergkamp set an example to many foreign players who have come to England since. He was loyal to Arsenal and Arsenal were loyal to him.
It’s been 11 years. 11 mostly great years. Obviously in that time there are periods of difficulty none more so that the protracted wrangling over his contract as Dennis became the first player to have to get used to Arsene Wenger’s short contract offers once in their 30s but to his great credit he never really complained. A testament to his professionalism and class.
What we’ll remember most about him though are the wonderful goals, the trademark Bergkamp curler, the passes and assists to make goals for those around him. His partnership with Freddie Ljungberg seemed almost telepathic during the 2001-2002 season. There’s also that edge to his game that lots of people enjoyed. A truly nice guy off the field he still had moments where he’d get stuck in. I’m sure Steve Lomas still has an elbow shaped scar on his beautiful face. All good fun though!
While his influence on the pitch might have waned in recent seasons there’s no doubt lots of our players, young and experienced, will have learned so much about the game from him and about how to behave off the pitch. He’s never been one for parties and late nights and roastings and rapes and car crashes while drunk and driving somebody else’s car.
So today Arsenal fans will get a chance to say goodbye and to say thanks for all he’s done for our club. His testimonial against Ajax will open the Emirates Stadium. Another little bit of history that will always be associated with Dennis Bergkamp.
For those of you going please give him a cheer from me. Dennis, thanks for the memories, you were and always will be an Arsenal legend. Untainted. Unforgettable. Good luck to you, Sir!
The game is on Channel 5 in the UK and Irish viewers can see it on TG4.
In other news ANR have an interesting piece on how that £12m transfer figure that everyone is going mad about is little more than another steam of crap to have spewed forth from the scabby orifices of Mihir Bose.
Peter Hill-Wood on Ashley Cole:
I think things are happening but I’d really rather not talk about them at the moment.
I think the sale of Asier Del Horno tell us exactly what’s happening. The chairman also confirms that Arsene Wenger is looking to bring in some new players. It is, as I suspected, all happening very covertly though.
And that’s that. Enjoy your Saturday. Enjoy the game if you’re going. More tomorrow.
