Congratulations on being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. How does it feel to be a Hall of Fame inductee?
It feels special to be part of a small group of players who got the recognition of playing in the strongest league in the world. I’m honoured.
How does it feel to see your name alongside inaugural inductees Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry in the Hall of Fame?
They’ve had a big impact on football in general and the Premier League in particular. Two great players, role models, true professionals, of course it’s great to be named alongside them.
You scored 87 Premier League goals and are renowned for your spectacular and skilful strikes. Do you have a favourite? Why that one?
A lot of people would pick my goal against Newcastle. However, my personal favourite is the 3rd goal of my hat-trick against Leicester in ’97. The run, control, touch and finish all needed to be done at high quality and pace. It was a goal where every move went how I’d planned it in my head.
What was the difference in the Premier League you joined with Arsenal in 1995 to the one when you left 10 years later?
Throughout those years the Premier League developed into the best league in the world. The English mentality and passion for football combined with the foreign influence of coaches and players really made the Premier League grow.
Many argue that you played a significant role in that transformation. Do you believe so? Do you take pride in having that influence?
I’m extremely proud if people say that I was one of the first foreign players who added something to the English game.
Did the Premier League improve you as a player? If so, what changes did it make to your game?
The Premier League most definitely made me a better player. From the moment I arrived in England, I embraced the English mentality and passion for football, it suited me and my style of play. Playing every game against good and tough opponents meant I improved all the time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
Who were the biggest influences on your Premier League career, and how did they help you become the player you developed into?
It’s difficult to pick out one or two people. I was lucky to arrive in a team that respected me from the first day. That helped me a lot to get going. Every season I’d been working with players and coaches who got the best out of me. Also, England and Arsenal suited me and of course the support from my wife, kids and family helped me to succeed.
What was your favourite moment in your Premier League career and why?
Very difficult. I’ve been asked this question before and I always come up with the same answer: I’ve had 11 seasons in the Premier League with a lot of ups and a few downs, but overall that whole period is my favourite moment.
Is there one Premier League match that stands out in the memory for you?
Looking back there have been a lot of great matches. If I had to pick one out it would have to be the last game in the ’03 / ’04 season. Beating Leicester meant we had gone the whole season unbeaten in the Premier League. An unbelievable achievement and I’m proud to have been part of it.