The statue will join existing ones of Arsenal legends Thierry Henry, Herbert Chapman and Tony Adams. Image: @chippingvon
A fan has apologised after leaking a photo of an unfinished statue of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.
The club were forced to confirm their plans to unveil the statue outside the Emirates Stadium before the start of next season, but were disappointed the secret had been revealed.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “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.”
The Dutchman will join Thierry Henry, Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman in being commemorated in stone at the Emirates.
“I am honoured that this is going to happen” he said. “It makes me very proud. Everyone knows that I love Arsenal and I had a fantastic time at the club.
“For me and my family it was an important period in our lives. 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.”
The images of the statue were leaked by Twitter user Jamie Walden (@chippingvon), who was sent the images by a friend.
He has made a donation to the Arsenal Foundation charity and posted an open apology.
“The images were posted with enthusiasm, excitement and a desire to share what I had been sent,” he said. “No malice was ever intended towards the club, the player, or the sculptor who created this incredible piece of work.”
Bergkamp signed for Arsenal from Inter Milan for £7.5million in 1996 and went on to make 423 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals.
The non-flying Dutchman won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his time at Highbury and scored 37 goals in 77 appearances for Holland.
He is currently assistant manager at his boyhood club Ajax but is a leading candidate to replace Liam Brady as Arsenal’s academy director next year.
The news of another Arsenal legend to be set in stone at the Emirates delighted fellow Arsenal favourite Ian Wright, who tweeted:
“Absolutely delighted that Dennis is being honoured with a statue! Best signing AFC has ever and will ever make.”
Watch some of Dennis Bergkamp’s finest on-pitch moments for the Gunners in the video below: