ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp has his name in the roots of Manchester United.
The legendary Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Red Devils fan.
GettyArsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp was named after Man Utd icon Denis Law[/caption]
The Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Man Utd fanRex
RexAnd he named his son after Red Devils icon Law[/caption]
Getty Images – GettyHowever, an extra ‘n’ was added to his name for a bizarre reason[/caption]
And such was his love, that in 1969 the Amsterdam electrician named his first son after the late Denis Law.
During the 1960s Law was in the prime of his career, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1964 and helping Man Utd to win two First Division titles and become the first English to win the European Cup in 1968.
However, Bergkamp was forced to add another “n” into the name by the registrar.
This was bizarrely because of an obscure Dutch baptismal regulation.
Regardless, Bergkamp followed in the footsteps of his father’s icon by becoming a top striker in English football.
It was announced on Friday that Law had passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
The King, as he is known to the United faithful, was the last surviving member of the Holy Trinity completed by George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Law is only Scottish footballer to have ever won the Ballon d’Or and holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Man Utd player with an incredible 18 – for reference Wayne Rooney scored eight.
Tributes poured in for Law from across the world following the news of his death.
David Beckham wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”
Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, said: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”
United’s record goalscorer, Rooney, took to X, writing: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”
Law’s ex-United teammate Brian Kidd added: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.
“An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”
Singer Rod Stewart was one of his biggest fans, and shared a photo of them arm in arm in Scotland garb.
The image was taken after he had been filmed scoring a goal for Scotland in a march involving England stars Ray Clemence, Trevor Brooking and Jack Charlton for the title sequence of An Audience With Rod Stewart on ITV.
He added the words: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace.”
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