Bergkamp: Arshavin can become Arsenal icon
442 Staff - Monday 27 July 2009, 14:06
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has backed current Emirates Stadium sensation Andrey Arshavin to become a Gunners icon in years to come, following his scintillating start to life in the Premier League.
The Russian international joined the North London outfit at the
beginning of February for £15 million, and enjoyed an explosive start
to his career in England, netting six league goals in 12
appearances, including four against Liverpool at Anfield, and captaining the side in a 3-0 victory at Portsmouth.
The 28-year-old now heads in to his first full season with Arsene Wenger's side aiming to continue his good form and help the club win a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
And former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp, who achieved iconic status during his 11 years at Highbury - scoring 87 league goals in 316 appearances - believes Arshavin has the potential to one day join him in the Gunners' hall of fame.
“Arshavin has every chance of becoming a favourite of the London fans," he said in the Daily Mail.
“Arsenal found the kind of player they have been lacking.
“I hope Andrey will not rest on his laurels and will to continue to work to a higher level. Then he will become part of Arsenal's history.
“The advice is simple but important for any player who moves to the Premier League: give everything, fight all through the game - those are the qualities that the fans fall in love with.
"In England it's not enough to be a talented player.”
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