Arsenal presented manager Mikel Arteta’s contract in a 140-year-old wooden chest, connecting the presentation to the club’s beginnings in 1886. Chief executive Richard Garlick handed the document to Arteta inside the antique chest, which unfolds into a small writing desk.
The object recalls a celebration held on 4 October 1886 by the cricket club Dial Square. Its members included workers from the Royal Arsenal complex in Woolwich, which was devoted to weapons manufacturing. David Danskin, Arsenal’s first captain, attended the gathering. The decision to add a football section to the cricket club marked the start of the club’s history. Arsenal says the chest has been preserved as a piece of heritage and a witness to those beginnings.
Garlick described the presentation as « a link between the past, the present and the future », stressing the importance of preserving Arsenal’s values and traditions. The club’s story soon took shape on the pitch: Watkins organised Arsenal’s first match, against Eastern Wanderers, on 11 December 1886, and the team won 6-0.
The presentation accompanies the announcement that Mikel Arteta’s contract has been extended until June 2030. Last season, he led the team to the Premier League title.
GeneralHussein Ammouta has named his Al Ahly starting line-up for the Egypt Capital Cup. Achraf Dari returns to the starting side, while Tawfiq Mohamed is set for his first start for the club.
GeneralThe Roma goalkeeper and under-20 international has been included among the Guardian’s emerging players. The selection also names Antonio Arana, Eduardo Conceição and Cassiano Keiala.
GeneralRetired since 2023, David Silva is set to return to the pitch at 40. The midfielder is joining Supreme ShaTin in Hong Kong’s league.
GeneralAfter incidents in Hammam Sousse, the club has announced the immediate closure of the “Virage” sections in its indoor venues for an indefinite period.
Comments