Denis Bergkamp's Bio!
Birthplace : 18.5.69, Amsterdam, Holland Height : 6ft 0 Weight : 12st 5lbs Position : Striker Began his career at Ajax where he won a Cup Winner's Cup medal and a UEFA Cup winners' medal before he moved to Inter Milan for £15million.His ball skills were honed during his time at the famed Ajax youth academy and it shows. He can take the ball with either foot, with instant control, awareness of his colleagues, a great eye for goal - and the ability to finish under pressure. The Dutchman had an unhappy time earlier in his career at Inter Milan, where he was expected to replace Marco Van Basten, sadly long since retired early through injury. In and out of the team for two years where his star failed to shine. Bergkamp never settled, even though he won a UEFA Cup there, and was signed for Arsenal by Bruce Rioch for £7.5 million from Inter Milan in 1995. Bergkamp is one of the classiest strikers ever to grace the game in England. He was voted Footballer of the Year and Players' Player of the Year in 1998 when Arsenal won the double. He missed the 1998 FA Cup win because of injury; he was a late substitute in the 2001 Final. Touch, passing of incredible vision, sublime finishing, out of this world skills - he has everything. Has brought a different dimension to Arsenal's game, weighing in with plenty of goals and creating innumerable chances for his fellow strikers. Although he announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2000, he has provided more than enough magic moments to live in the memory - his winner against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup is up there with the greatest goals. He left the international game as the Dutch record scorer, overtaking Faas Wilkes, with 37 goals in only 79 games. No longer makes the impact he made when he first came to England - and no longer a first choice striker in Highbury's United nations' frontline - but could still be dubbed a 'match winner'. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is the first to appreciate what Bergkamp brings to the side. "He is always the best, he is vital," says Wenger. "He improves the confidence of the whole team. When he plays well, everyone else does. He is certainly world-class and if you ask me if he is the best player in the Premiership, I can say that he definitely is in that position" Too wily to commit early to a new contract with Arsenal until completely happy with the terms - in particular the length of a new deal,, as he is reportedly already Arsenaal's highest earner. Not surprisingly, given his status and skills, that has led to sporadically furious speculation as to his future. The 1998 Footballer of the Year will surely win more trophies and accolades with the club.So lets all hope Dennis gets a bit more action in the 2001/02 season so we can all enjoy one of the most gifted players ever.
