LONDON: Arsenal revealed on Wednesday that they plan to honour former striker Dennis Bergkamp by erecting a statue of the Dutchman outside the Emirates Stadium.
Bergkamp follows in the footsteps of former team-mates Thierry Henry and Tony Adams and legendary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman, who have already been commemorated in bronze statues outside the club's north London home.
Arsenal were forced to confirm plans for the tribute after an image of a cast for the statue appeared online.
"First of all, I am honoured that this is going to happen," Bergkamp said.
"It makes me very proud. Everyone knows that I love Arsenal and that I had a fantastic time at the club.
"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."
Bergkamp scored 120 goals for Arsenal and won three league titles and four FA Cups during his 11-year tenure at the club.
"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," said Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
-AFP/ac
Football: Arsenal reveal plans for Bergkamp statue
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Football: Arsenal reveal plans for Bergkamp statue
