Bergkamp

Dennis BergkampDennis Bergkamp was part of a particular group of strikers: those guys that seem harmless 85 minutes of the match, only to blast the other team into oblivion for the remaining 5. Bergkamp will probably remain known in the history book of soccer by three things: his fear of flight that didn't allow him to join overseas matches, his incredible goals (fewer than many other strikers, but definitely more artful) and his loyalty for English side Arsenal London, for whom Bergkamp played for 11 seasons.

Dennis Bergkamp was born on May 10th 1969 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He was named after the famous Manchester United's player Denis Law. For years, his parents would take him and his brothers to England on holiday, and his love for English football developed during his childhood years. His family were Manchester United fans, but Dennis admired Tottenham Hotspur's Glenn Hoddle the most. "Maybe I was . . . maybe I am, a little different from other players. They will tell you that Pele, Maradona, Cruyff are their idols and I will say Glenn Hoddle." Bergkamp said.

Dennis joined the Ajax youth team when he was 12. "The normal things for professional players now, I already did when I was 12 years old. I didn't have time to go out. If we had a game on Saturday, I would stay in on Friday night. I didn't smoke, I didn't drink. I stayed in on Saturday nights and Sunday to do my homework so I could train two or three times a week." He explained. But even the hard work was not enough to please the coaches at Ajax, they thought young Bergkamp was too lightweight, and not physically strong enough to be a soccer player. For years, he struggled in the youth team.

However when Johan Cryuff returned to Ajax as Manager, he discovered Bergkamp's talent and brought him into the first team. Bergkamp made his Ajax debut at the age of 17 and he soon secured his place. His position in Ajax was behind two forwards, he created chances for his teammates, but was also able to score himself. Bergkamp set a record in the Dutch league by scoring in ten consecutive matches. He won many medals with Ajax.


His success at the club earned him his first cap. Bergkamp made his first international appearance against Italy in September, 90, and two months later he scored his first goal for his country againt Greece. In 1992, Holland went to Sweden as a favorite to win the European Championship. Bergkamp played along side with his superstar teammates such as Gullit, van Basten, Rijkaard, and Koeman. Bergkamp played well and he scored 3 goals before Holland lost to Denmark in penalty shootout.

His excellent performance in Euro 92 attracted attention from some of the most famous clubs in Europe. In the summer of 1993, Dennis Bergkamp joined Inter Milan. Johan Cruyff disapproved it beacause he felt that Bergkamp would not play well in the denfesive style of Inter. But Bergkamp wanted a challenge, and he chose Inter over clubs like AC Milan and Bacelona, where football was played more similar to the attacking ajax system.