A statue of former Arsenal forward DENNIS BERGKAMP "has been unveiled" at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Saturday, according to the London TELEGRAPH. The Dutchman, who spent 11 years at the club until his retirement in '06, "was present for the unveiling," which took place at 11:30am local time on Saturday, as "hundreds of fans showed their support for the forward." Bergkamp "paid an emotional tribute to his former Arsenal team-mates and family" as he was immortalized with a bronze statue outside the Clock End, and said that he "hopes one day to return to the club." Bergkamp: "All this makes you realize how many good years we had here and how big this club has become over the last 20 years. I was just happy to play a role in that" (TELEGRAPH, 2/22). In London, Richard Arrowsmith reported Bergkamp joined Arsenal from Inter Milan in June '95, and went on to play more than 400 games for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals. Bergkamp "helped win seven major trophies with Arsene Wenger's side, including the 'Invincibles' Premier League campaign" of '03-04. Hundreds of Arsenal supporters turned out to welcome the 44-year-old back to London with many chanting "Sign him up! Sign him up!" as Arsenal Dir Ken Friar "marked the official unveiling of the statue" (DAILY MAIL, 2/22).
