Many have hailed the arrival of Dutch technician Dennis Bergkamp as the first big transfer coup of Arsenals successful late 90s era. The 26 year old was enduring a glittering career when Gunners boss Bruce Rioch came calling in 1995. The Dutchman had already claimed the UEFA Euro 92 Golden Boot, the Eredivisie Top Scorer Award thrice in a row, and finished in the top three for the Ballon dOr award on two separate occasions. For Arsenal to lure the Inter Milan forward to the club for £7.5 million was seen as something of a coup, with the Dutchman adding a touch of class and panache to the squad.
''It wasnt a difficult choice because Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Its very attractive to me because English teams like to attack, and whenever Ive played against sides here there have always been possibilities to score. Im also looking forward to playing alongside Ian Wright, a great player. I know Arsenal didnt win anything last season, but with this manager and this team, I believe we can change that situation. - Dennis Bergkamp, June 1995.
In a similar mould to Eric Cantonas influence at Old Trafford, the Dutchman proved to be something of a catalyst for Arsenals return to glory having stagnated during the mid-90s. When he finally hung up his boots in 2006, not only would he leave with three league title medals and four FA Cups, but he was rewarded for eleven years of his service with a bronze statue outside the ground epitomising the genius that was Dennis Bergkamp. Not bad for a Spurs fan, eh?
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.