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Sunday, 6 May, 2001, 18:55 GMT 19:55 UK
Salute captain Adams
Tony Adams has decided to hang up his Highbury boots at the end of next season.
Adams has had a remarkable Arsenal career encountering the contrasting fortunes of football.
As captain's go Tony Adams epitomises everything that you could wish for in a skipper: Leadership, courage, compassion, a will to win and an inspiration to all round him.
He made his Arsenal debut at the age of 17 as an apprentice in 1983 and became Arsenal's youngest ever captain at the age of 22.
He went on to lead Arsenal to an unprecedented decade of success.
His high points included captaining Arsenal to three championships, two FA Cups, one League Cup and a European Cup Winners Cup.
But his success on the field was countered by a battle against alcoholism.
Which makes his domestic and international achievements seem even more outstanding.
Adams has hinted in the past that management does interest him. Is there a better candidate for a future Arsenal manager?
What highlights stick in your memory? What qualities does Adams have that other footballers could learn from?
Send us your Adams memories.
The greatest centre half of the modern game. His performance for England against Argentina will live long in the memory as will that goal against Everton and that tackle against Dynamo Kiev at Wembley.
A truly wonderful footballer, who is an inspiration to us all. Good luck Tony
My favourite Tony Adams memory was when the big hoof dropped poor old Steve Morrow after the League Cup final victory in 1993, closely followed by his stretch as a guest at one of Her Majesty's hotels, plus of course the famous own-goal against United that gave rise to the famous EE-AW headlines. Let's not forget seeing him flapping at thin air as Ryan Giggs roasted him and the rest of the Arsenal team to score the best goal of all time in the FA cup semi-final in 1999.
My lasting memory of Tony was the goal he scored again Everton that wrapped up the Championship in 98. As he says in his book "at that moment I felt a sense of calm." I only hope that he does not disappear from Arsenal completely. He has so much to offer to our up and coming stars. What ever he decides to do, you know he will always be captain fantastic.
Where have you gone Tony Adams? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Tony Adams, will be much missed. At times in his career he probably was the worlds greatest defender, I shall miss the donkey.
He's not gone yet - 3 big games this season including a cup final. Plus all of next - but scoring the 4th goal against Everton, when we won the double is probably my favourite, from a vast and rich collection.
Leaving football at the end of next season is a name that can surely never be replaced in the history of Arsenal Football Club. Arguably in the bracket of not only one of the greatest defenders in the world, but also footballing leaders. Tony Adams has been an inspiration to all budding footballers of today, and I myself have marvelled at how he has risen from "rock bottom" to become such a dominant presence in the heart of the Gunner's defence. One only hopes that his absence from the game will be short-lived and that in years to come he will lead Arsenal on to yet more success, this time as manager. Thank you Tony, for some wonderful moments - your goal against Everton that I was fortunate enough to watch at the end of the double year will live long in my memories.
Richard Baish, United Kingdom
Memories of Tony Adams? Usually lying on the ground five yards behind a striker as another goal goes in against England.
Just watching Tony belt out the national anthem will certainly live long in the memory. His performances for England were always outstanding, France 98 was his finest.
Tony Adams is Arsenal through and through. He epitomises the Arsenal and true football spirit. He plays for the glory of the game and his club and country. He is one of the last of true great English footballers.
A great player who will forever be in Arsenal fans' hearts and will be sorely missed on the pitch.
I will always remember Tony Adams as the most devoted player and determined ever. It is his will to win and never say die attitude that makes him one of the best players ever. I will never forget all he did for England and Arsenal. Good luck to him in the future.
Adams is certainly a fine player. He is inspiration, and hasn't yet passed his peak, which as Cantona proved, is always a great time to end a career. Defenders such as Ashley Cole have had a great experience growing up under him. I admire him. One of the best defenders to come out of England.
Jean - Pierre Daniels, France
Tony Adams has undoubtedly had a glittering career, with Arsenal and as captain of England.
He is better than Best, Baxter, Merson and Gazza, I'm sure he could drink them all under the table.
The man's a legend. Not the most gifted athlete but his determination and love of the game is clear. A great example.
Tony Adams has had a great career. If you read his book, he is a very ordinary, down to earth guy who, despite having had a potentially luxurious life as a soccer star has had many sad occasions. It cannot be said about all soccer players, but money has never been his motivator. He has just wanted to do well for Arsenal. He could have been England's longest-serving, greatest captain ever but for injury, an alcohol problem and his time in prison. However, everyone makes mistakes and the famous are hit harder. Well done Tony for a good career full of brave comebacks.
06 May 01 | Arsenal
Adams to quit in 2002
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