Dennis Bergkamp said he was honoured to win the Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award, as we honoured the Arsenal and Netherland legend at the Landmark London on January 19.
Bergkamp received his award, for his contribution to English football, and admitted he had no idea quite how big a deal it was.
“It is fantastic – at first I did not realise it was this big, but when the contact was made, I did a little research and saw the list and I thought yeah this is really something special to be part of. The people on this list meant a lot to English football so it is great to be part of it.”
The Dutchman brought his family to the event, and was joined by Arsenal royalty – former Chairman David Dein, manager Arsene Wenger, and team-mates Thierry Henry, Ian Wright and Martin Keown.
Bergkamp won our Footballer of the Year award in 1998, and said: “For me, it was a special season. I remember that evening that I was in and out quickly for the award. It was only when I was there at the dinner that I realised: ‘OK-this is something special. Probably only in England, could you get something like this but it’s really nice.”
Looking back on his career, he added: “I played in England for 11 years and when I look back, it all just puts a smile on my face. I enjoyed every minute of it
“I had some ups and downs, but overall I had a smile on my face, because I enjoyed it so much and it is a big part of my life.”
See our interview with Dennis Bergkamp here: https://youtu.be/2IKbeT2hc4w?si=5JOGiZlW4cQHBWFn
