Arsenal have unveiled a statue of club legend Dennis Bergkamp ahead of their match against Sunderland today.
Bergkamp, who was present at the ceremony, enjoyed an 11-year spell with the Gunners. The statue features the Dutchman in action against Newcastle in 2003 and is located outside Emirates Stadium above the Armoury Store.
"I spoke to Thierry Henry last night and he warned me about this moment, he said 'you will be fine until you have to talk a little bit, and you will be emotional', that happens to me now," said Bergkamp.
"All this makes you realise 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.
"You all see me as a team player, and there is only one statue of me, but I believe it is part of a whole team that I was involved in which made me shine.
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"When you think of that team, it is not only the quality players around you, it is the fantastic manager, the staff around the club.
"I would like to thank my friends and family as well, they have been there from the beginning in my career - thank you to Henrita, my wife. We made this adventure together and have four beautiful children who were all born in England.
"Last but not least, I had a very good relationship with the fans. You were very patient with me.
"In the first six or seven games of my career, a lot of people spoke about that, is he good or not? Can he do it? We had some comments from chairmen of other clubs in London, I won't mention the name!
"We proved them all wrong and are where we are now, and it is all down to the fans because you had belief in me, in the team, so this is how it ends with a beautiful statue."
His statue joins those of Thierry Henry, Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman at the stadium.
