My dad’s an Arsenal Invincible and a Premier League icon… now I’m making my own way in non-league
MANY have tried and failed to replicate the magic of Dennis Bergkamp – so imagine the pressure of being the Arsenal legend’s son.
But that is what Mitchel Bergkamp, the 25-year-old boy of the Netherlands icon, has to contend with.
His father is considered by many to be one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players.
It was Bruce Rioch who forked out £7.5m to Inter Milan for the Dutchman back in 1995.
But that fee proved to be an absolute bargain as Bergkamp went on to spend 11 years in North London and was the perfect foil for strikers such as Ian Wright, Nicolas Anelka and, of course, Thierry Henry.
He scored 115 goals in 416 appearances for Arsenal, helping them to three Premier League title successes as well as four FA Cup triumphs.
And he played a key role in the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ in 2004 before he retired from playing in 2006.
Having enjoyed stints working as assistant manager at his first club Ajax, whom he departed for Inter in 1993, it is now his boy hoping to continue the Bergkamp legacy out on the pitch.
Having initially been part of Almere City’s youth set-up in his homeland, Mitchel headed to England to sign for Watford in 2021.
However, having only been restricted to outings with their under-23 side, he was released by the Hornets at the end of his first season there.
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Mitchel was briefly offered the opportunity of a trial at his father’s former club Arsenal, but they declined to offer him a deal.
But the attacking midfielder is now trying to reignite his career in the National League with Bromley.
He signed for them back in January and went on to score against Woking on his first start.
Manager Andy Woodman, a former coach with the Gunners, said after signing him: “I was lucky enough to work with Mitchell when I was at Arsenal so having seen him up close and the way he’s been fitting into our group, I’m delighted to have him on board.”
Mitchel made nine appearances in total for them last term as the club suffered play-off heartbreak.
Bromley are currently fourth in the National League as they look to secure a place in the Football League next season.
But Mitchel’s father Dennis has previously spoken about how his son must “do more than others” to prove himself on the pitch.
He said: “I would never say you have to play Mitchel because I’m Dennis Bergkamp.
“In many ways, though, he has had to do more than the other players. It has made him stronger.”