Dennis Bergkamp statue unveiled at Arsenal stadium (PHOTO)

[emezico]

A statue of Dennis Bergkamp has been unveiled at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, ahead of the club's Premier League clash with Sunderland.

The Dutchman, who spent 11 years at the club until his retirement in 2006, was present for the unveiling, which took place at 11.30am 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 immortalised with a bronze statue outside the Clock End, and said hopes one day to return to the club.

Bergkamp joined Arsenal in June 1995 from Serie A giants Inter Milan, with whom he had endured a difficult two seasons after switching from his first club Ajax Amsterdam.

Under Arsene Wenger the attacker regained his confidence and verve and went on to make a total of 423 appearances for Arsenal, during which time he managed 120 goals for the club.