A Tribute to Dennis Bergkamp ~

I really don't know how to start this post... there are so many things i can say and will say about Dennis that i'm overwhelmed but I guess i can start with this: This upcoming Saturday there will be "Testimonial" or Final salute match at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium. Last season was his last and it is common in the english game to have one final game, full of legendary players, special events, etc etc.... basically this is his final match ever.

I am very privileged person because I can say that my father is my Hero, someone i have all the respect on the planet for and if I ever become half the man he is then i'll be a great man. However we all have idols, people we dream of being like, meeting them, playing music with them or playing sports with them. I have had many of these idols growing up... in sports there are many, in football alone there are so many i look up but NONE come close to my admiration for DENNIS BERGKAMP.

For those who really know me, they know how much I respect and idolize him, not only for how he plays and the endless incredible goals he has scored and all the joy he has brought into my life with a pass or shot, but the way he handless himself for the press,, his practice regime, his solidarity with the club and teammates who he loves, etc, he's a class act, and there aren't many like him.

It all seemed to come full circle last season as he almost won the CL, the one cup he never one, but thanks to a horrendous call he didn't, yet I think nothing can be taken away from him as a player. In fact he's probably the most respected player among other players at least in the premier league. He's never been around controversy... he's worn the same Reebook boots forever, just one commercial, no diving, no cheating, just pure class.

Some of the Goals he has scored have to be among the greatest ever, EVER... among the best in the history of the game... and here's the one i think tops them:




Here's the one that probably means the most to be because of the magnitude of the game... quarter final at the 1998 World Cup in France against Argentina...90th minute, and when you hear the commentator, that's pretty much how I felt!!! (right before is one of his goals of the hat trick vs Leicester City, proof that the goal vs argentina wasn't a fluke):



He was there with Ian Wright, then with Anelka, withstood the competition from Kanu, Wiltord, Jeffers, Suker, yeah, Suker, played alongside all of them and recently with Van Persie and Henry, who considers him his greatest partner, more than Zizou... He's been there, through injuries and losses... he always picks himself up and shows on the pitch how good he is.

There are too many videos to put up here, so just go to youtube.com and search his name. Here are a couple of great articles on him:

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=403753&cpid=703&title=Bergkamp+week:+Last+chance+to+see+Dennis

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=374050&root=europe&cc=5739

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/5199850.stm

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=404058&cpid=703&title=Eleven+years+of+Bergkamp+-+Picture+special


I will never forgive myself for never seeing him play. To think that instead of going to wendy's 10 times, i could've saved enough money to fly to london, watch a game and come back... life has many turns and maybe i will see and meet him at some point.

Write more soon...

peace