Arsenal and Tottenham, two iconic rival clubs, are renowned for their enmity. Few players who have successfully changed sides will contradict this reality. Sol Campbell, for example, is still called “Judas” by Tottenham supporters following his transfer from Arsenal in 2001. On the other hand, David Bentley, who also left the Gunners for Spurs, did not suffer the same fate, even after scoring an incredible 40-yard volleyball goal against his former club.
Coming from the Arsenal academy, Bentley had a humble beginning with just nine first-team appearances, only one of which came in the Premier League. With limited opportunities, he was loaned out to Norwich and Blackburn, before joining the latter club permanently in 2006.
Arsenal hit by Bentley’s superb 40-yard shot
(Image credit: Getty Images)
After a few successful seasons at Ewood Park, Bentley expressed his desire to leave Blackburn. A return to London became inevitable, but this time to Spurs, and not the Gunners, for whom he started. He signed a contract worth £17 million in the summer of 2008, but it was not until October 29, 2008 that he scored his first goal for Tottenham.
And what a goal! Indeed, during a crazy match that ended with a score of 4-4, he opened the scoring with a shot from more than 40 meters at the Emirates Stadium.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“I think people talk about my goal in that game more than any other — especially the Spurs fans,” Bentley told FourFourTwo. “It was my first North London derby in Tottenham colors and it had a special meaning for me, having spent time at both sides.
“To score that way — a nice kick followed by a 40-yard volley — was truly incredible. I still like both clubs. Of course, I was trained at Arsenal and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I received there, but Tottenham invested a lot in me. »
Although his departure from Arsenal may have sparked controversy, Bentley says it has always been well received by supporters of both clubs. “I feel the affection from both sets of supporters, which is rare, so there was no animosity for me. I just wanted to do well. »
Bentley’s trajectory raises interesting questions about loyalty in sport. Can we show genuine affection towards two rival clubs? This invites us to reflect on the complexity of relationships between players and supporters in a sporting world where passion can sometimes fuel deep rivalries.
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