As the 20th anniversary of Dennis Berkamp’s first Arsenal appearance approaches, Arsene Wenger has hailed his arrival as the “first push into the modern, international era” for the club.

Signed by Bruce Rioch for what was then a club-record fee, the Iceman would go on to become one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players, earning himself a statue outside the Emirates and a place in Gooner hearts forever.

My own, personal favourite player of all time, Bergkamp’s arrival signalled a change of direction from Arsenal, with Wenger elaborating more on Arsenal.com.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Dennis Bergkamp (top L) of Arsenal is greeted by Frank Rijkaard (2ndR) and Emmanuel Petit (R) sitting on the shoulders of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry after a pre season 'Dennis Bergkamp' testimonial match at Emirates stadium in north London, 22 July 2006.The match played in honour of Arsenal's Dutch player Dennis Bergkamp who has served the club for 11 years and will retire after the game is the first match played at the club's new stadium.Arsenal defeated Ajax 2-1. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Dennis Bergkamp (top L) of Arsenal is greeted by Frank Rijkaard (2ndR) and Emmanuel Petit (R) sitting on the shoulders of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry after a pre season ‘Dennis Bergkamp’ testimonial match at Emirates stadium in north London, 22 July 2006.The match played in honour of Arsenal’s Dutch player Dennis Bergkamp who has served the club for 11 years and will retire after the game is the first match played at the club’s new stadium.Arsenal defeated Ajax 2-1. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN

“It was one year before I started here, so that shows you it was 20 years ago and it was one of the historic signings of Arsenal Football Club,” Wenger said.

“Dennis is a player who is admired by all the other players and was the first push of Arsenal into the modern, international era.

“He was lucky as well because when he arrived here, he had a bunch of English players, British players who were exceptional as well. He brought creativity to this group of very strong players and it was a good marriage.”

If you’re too young to really remember him, or if your memory has faded with time, sit back, relax, and press play on the video below.

I promise you won’t regret it: