Bergkamp to be honoured with statue

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp says he is ‘honoured’ that the club plans to erect a statue in his likeness outside the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp says he is ‘honoured’ that the club plans to erect a statue in his likeness outside the Emirates Stadium.

The former Netherlands international scored 120 goals in 423 appearances for the Gunners, and is set to join the likes of Tony Adams and Thierry Henry in being immortalised by the north London club.

The 43-year-old, who is serving as Frank de Boer’s assistant at Ajax, says the unveiling will be a ‘special moment’.

“First of all, I am honoured that this is going to happen. It makes me very proud. Everyone knows that I love Arsenal and that I had a fantastic time at the club,” he told reporters.

“For me and my family it was an important period in our lives. Next to that the people were great, the team was amazing and we had a lot of success over the years.

“I will do everything I can to be there when it will be unveiled. It will definitely be a special moment for me which I don’t want to miss.”

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has also hailed Bergkamp following the news, but expressed disappointment the announcement had to be brought forward due to a leak.

He said: “It will be a fitting tribute to Dennis’ huge contribution to the club that a statue will be on display outside Emirates Stadium in the near future.

“Dennis’ quality and style of play will never be forgotten. He is a true legend of Arsenal and it’s great to think that so many Arsenal supporters and visitors to Emirates Stadium will be able to enjoy this tribute to such a great player for years to come.

“Dennis and everybody at Arsenal are slightly disappointed that some images have been leaked today of the statue in its development, but this will not detract from the excitement we have for the statue’s unveiling in the coming months.”