Henry, Adams and Chapman statues unveiled by Arsenal

Arsenal honoured club legends Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry by unveiling their statues outside the Emirates Stadium as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations before they take on Everton in an English Premier League match at home. The first statue to be unveiled was that of Herbert Chapman, their manager from 1925 till 1934 and credited with winning the league four times in five years. He is also known for his highly researched methods of training which became revolutionary in the development of football and what happens in training today. [caption id=“attachment_153001” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Tony Adams was named Arsenal captain at the age of just 22 years. Getty Images”] [/caption] His untimely death was a loss to the world of football and his statue is located underneath the clock close to the Danny Fiszman Bridge, with him looking towards the 60,000 seater stadium. Tony Adams was a stalwart in defence for the Gunners and a one-man club around which a lot of teams have been formed. The Englishman joined them as a trainee and went on to don the armband at the age of just 22 years, going on to make 669 appearances for them and winning 10 major tournaments. The final statue unveiled was that of striker Thierry Henry in his signature celebration. He is Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer with his 226 goals helping them to two Premier League titles, two F.A Cups and a Champions League final. The player who now plays in the MLS, couldn’t control his emotions as he told reporters: “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have a statue like this in front of the stadium of the team I love and support.” “The way the statue is gives the perfect example of the love I have for the club - me kneeling facing the Emirates Stadium and Highbury behind is amazing.” “I also have to thank the fans, you have always been special, and I always try to give my best, I know times it was not enough, but I always give it all out there on the field for you guys and the club.” Chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who was joined by Arsène Wenger at today’s ceremony, was quoted on arsenal.com : “This year is very special in the history of Arsenal Football Club, when we are celebrating our 125th anniversary. This is not only a good moment to look forward to an exciting future, but also to look back and celebrate great figures in the history of our Club. [caption id=“attachment_153000” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Thierry Henry’s statue is reminiscent of a goal he scored in the London derby against Tottenham. Getty Images”] [/caption] “Today is a celebration of three hugely influential figures in the history of Arsenal Football Club. Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry are three Arsenal Legends who have all contributed so much to the successes of this football club.” The Chairman concluded: “These legends are now proudly on display outside Emirates Stadium for all to see, and will provide a way for Arsenal supporters, and indeed any visitors to the stadium, to remember them and pay their own tributes to these three great men.”