Arsenal Invincible Dennis Bergkamp speaks about his favourite Arsenal memories, the best players he played with and the best goal he ever scored. The Dutchman was being honoured at the FWA Tribute evening.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Huge honour to be given the FWA Tribute Award.
0:31 Was a special season in 97/98 to win both the FWA and PFA awards.
1:03 I played 11 years in England and it puts a smile on my face. I enjoyed every minute of it. A lot of ups and only a few downs. I enjoyed it so much.
1:58 Signing for Arsenal? I wanted to leave Italy and I always wanted to come to England. It was sooner than I had planned. My agent had contact with Arsenal and we tried our luck. I made up my mind straight away to come to Arsenal.
2:55 I didn't know about the rivalry with Tottenham at the start. Glenn Hoddle stood out as a player that I really liked from England.
3:31 I always enjoyed playing against Tottenham, I knew straightaway what it meant to the fans. I managed a few goals against them.
3:57 Wenger had a very different philosophy. Taking care of your body, focusing on being the best you can be, every day. I saw a lot of surprising things in my first year at Arsenal. As soon as Arsene came he changed it all around.
5:01 A lot of amazing memories at Arsenal. Invincible season. Scoring so many goals.
5:34 The DB10 day was during my final season, it was great for the fans to organise that. Saying goodbye to Highbury as well. The statue is something that will stay with me forever. It's the biggest compliment a club can give you.
6:10 I've been lucky with a lot of the players I've played with. Ian Wright took the pressure off me in games, great character in the dressing room. Patrick Vieira was the player who could change games. He made a big impact on Arsenal. You mention Thierry Henry, the best player I played with. I still don't know his weaknesses.
7:12 The match against Mikel Arteta and Everton? I was very enjoyable. I wanted the ball all the time. I think it was his first season in England. It was the start for him and the end for me.
8:01 Goal against Argentina or one against Newcastle? They were both good goals. The goal against Argentina stands out for me as it was on the highest stage, but also technically, you practice this all the time. It's very satisfying when it comes off. Newcastle goal was more of a reaction from a not very good ball!
8:50 I hope Arsenal can win a trophy this season and find something extra. They are in a stable position but hopefully the current squad or any new signings can make something out of it. A little bit more quality and belief then who knows.
9:28 I heard many stories about Dennis Law. A great character and player. My dad was right to name me after him.
9:57 I'm at the stage of my life where I have more freedom. If there's something interesting that comes up then I will certainly consider it.
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January 19, 2025