Two brand new “immortal” football statues

Arsenal are set to erect a statue of Dennis Bergkamp outside the Emirates Stadium this summer, as they aim to immortalise another one of their recent heroes. The former Holland international will see his statue placed alongside Tony Adams, Thierry Henry and Herbert Chapman which were erected in December 2011.

Images of the Bergkamp statue emerged on Twitter. It shows a classical Bergkamp moment, when the elegant forward controlled the ball in mid-air against Newcastle United in 2003. Bergkamp, who was part of the Invincibles team of 2003-4, was voted second behind Henry by Arsenal fans in a poll of the club’s all-time greatest players.

An Arsenal spokesman said: “We currently have statues outside Emirates Stadium commemorating three legends in Arsenal’s history – Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry and we’re delighted that they have been extremely popular with visitors to the stadium.

“We’re pleased that speculation surrounding a future possible statue at Emirates Stadium is generating interest and will obviously communicate details if and when there is confirmation of any new developments.”

Bergkamp is currently the Ajax No.2 alongside manager Frank De Boer. However, Bergkamp has been tipped to take over from Liam Brady, who is leaving his role as the head of the Arsenal Academy.

Arsenal hope to unveil the statue, with Bergkamp in attendance, before the start of the 2013-14 season.

Whilst nowhere near the status of the legendary Bergkamp, AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli has decided to order a life size statue of himself to be erected inside his house. Balotelli is understood to have contacted a local artist to make the statue in a vain attempt to “immortalise” himself.

Local artist Livio Scarpella told Il Giornale di Brescia: “I presented several drawings but Mario wanted to be immortalised in a pose that shows him having scored a goal, highlighting his muscles and with an expression of defiance.

“I have imagined him as an athlete from ancient times and the statue will be a mix of classical and pop style in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of stones.” Tasteful to say the least.

Balotelli has made a successful start at Milan after his January transfer from Manchester City, scoring four goals in his first three games before failing to find the net in the Milan derby. The game finished 1-1 and Inter Milan have been fined £43,000 by Serie A, after their fans hurled racial abuse towards Balotelli and team mate Sulley Muntari. During the match, the Italy striker raised a finger to his lips when Inter fans made monkey calls and waved inflatable bananas at the San Siro.

This is the second time this season that Inter have been fined as a result of racial abuse aimed at Balotelli. Balotelli failed to restrain himself and was fined £8,600 for making an “insulting gesture” towards Inter fans at the end of the Milan derby.

What? You think Balotelli’s statue is the most arrogant and worst idea in history. I think you should take a trip to watch Fulham play at home. There you will behold one of the worst spectacles known to the footballing world. A statue which bears no resemblance towards football whatsoever.

…The statue of Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage.

Fulham chairman Mohammed Al Fayed has told fans they can “go to hell” if they don’t like the statue.