Dennis Bergkamp: The Iceman cometh

Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp (born 10 May 1969) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a striker. Dubbed the "Non-Flying Dutchman" due to his fear of flying, he is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and one of the best strikers in Premier League history.
Bergkamp began his career at Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie title three times and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1987. He moved to Inter Milan in 1993, but after one season he joined Arsenal for a club record fee of £7.5 million.
In his first season at Arsenal, Bergkamp helped the team win the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Premier League title. He went on to win the Premier League title again in 2001–02 and 2003–04, as well as the FA Cup in 2002 and 2003.
Bergkamp was a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal, scoring 120 goals in 423 appearances. He was renowned for his technical ability, vision, and passing ability. He was also a master of the first touch, and his ability to score spectacular goals made him a firm favourite with the Arsenal fans.
Bergkamp retired from international football in 2000, after winning 79 caps and scoring 37 goals for the Netherlands. He was part of the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Bergkamp was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 10 May 1969. He is the son of Wim Bergkamp, an electrician, and Tonnie Bergkamp, a housewife. Bergkamp has two older sisters, Sandra and Inge.
Bergkamp began playing football at a young age. He joined the youth team of Ajax at the age of 11. He made his professional debut for Ajax in 1986.

Club career

Ajax
Bergkamp spent six seasons at Ajax, winning the Eredivisie title three times and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1987. He was the Eredivisie top scorer in 1990–91 and 1991–92.
Inter Milan
In 1993, Bergkamp moved to Inter Milan for a fee of £12 million. He scored 11 goals in 31 appearances for Inter, but he struggled to adapt to Italian football.
Arsenal
In 1995, Bergkamp joined Arsenal for a club record fee of £7.5 million. He formed a prolific partnership with Thierry Henry, and the pair helped Arsenal win the Premier League title in 1997–98.
Bergkamp was a key player in Arsenal's "Invincibles" team of 2003–04, which went unbeaten in the Premier League. He was named PFA Player of the Year in 1997–98 and 2001–02.
Bergkamp retired from professional football in 2006. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

International career

Bergkamp made his international debut for the Netherlands in 1990. He played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 1996 UEFA European Championship, and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Bergkamp was part of the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He scored four goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick against Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Bergkamp retired from international football in 2000. He is the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 37 goals.

Legacy

Bergkamp is considered one of the greatest players of his generation and one of the best strikers in Premier League history. He was a prolific goalscorer, but he was also a gifted playmaker with a vision for the game.
Bergkamp was a popular figure with the fans of Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. He is a true legend of the game.