Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is proud of his Gunners legacy as
he prepares himself for his last appearance in the club
shirt.
The 37-year-old concludes his Arsenal career on Saturday at his old
side's new home, Emirates Stadium, in his testimonial tie with Ajax
which has already drawn in 54,000 spectators.
The Dutchman has said that there will always be a place in his
heart for Arsenal and has already secured a box in the new ground
in which to watch his former side.
Bergkamp has played a key role in Arsenal's rise to European fame
since Bruce Rioch persuaded him to complete his switch from Milan
to London in 1995.
After 11 years of regularly appearing in the starting line-up,
Bergkamp decided to call time on his Gunners career at the end of
last season.
"In years to come, when I look back, I'll see a different club to
the one I joined," he said.
"I contributed to a style of football, very fluent and attacking,
and my stats are good so maybe I made a difference.
"When I was looking to leave Internazionale, Arsenal were the first
team to come in for me. I looked at the club and saw a solid base
that I could fit in to.
"I didn't know anything about 'boring Arsenal', and I didn't know
the importance of playing against Spurs, but I soon found
out.
"The year after, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars
came in, and now we obviously had a world-class team whereas maybe
15 years ago, these players would not be playing for Arsenal.
"A club like this deserves such a stadium, and I'm sorry I won't be
a part of it. But you know people appreciate what you have done
when it's sold out for you."
Bergkamp scored 120 goals for Arsenal in 423 appearances, which
makes him the club's 10th highest goalscorer in their
history.
His CV contains plenty of silverware too, with three Premiership
titles and three FA Cups.
He was also named PFA Player of the Year in 1998 and has become a
fans' favourite since his first goal against Southampton in his
seventh appearance.
Gunners fans will also remember Bergkamp for his many wonder-goals
and his captaincy in the thrilling 5-3 victory over Middlesbrough
in 2005.
"I was captain and I was so proud when we came back from 3-1 down,"
he added.
"It was one of the times in my career that I felt like the leader
on the pitch and led by example.
"That was special and it kept our unbeaten run going as
well."
Saturday's game is likely to be a very emotional affair, but
Bergkamp is determined to enjoy himself.
"It's going to be special. I can enjoy the day and share it with
the players.
"I'll miss the simple things, the dressing-room humour and the
training. But I've had a great time.
"The wonderful thing about coaches in England is they tell you to
'go out and enjoy yourself', and I've enjoyed my career."
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Dennis, you've done the Gunners proud. 
