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During the parade yesterday, my mind wandered back to a similar parade in the same location..in 1989..and a certain young player who had the time of his life that day: David Rocastle.
That 1989 parade after Anfield was absolutely legendary—the sheer, unadulterated relief and joy after an 18-year wait for the title. Remembering it puts yesterday’s massive turnout into such beautiful perspective.
And right there on the windowsill outside Islington Town hall holding the football league trophy was David "Rocky" Rocastle - the absolute embodiment of everything that makes the club great. Hearing that classic Highbury chant—"Oh, Rocky, Rocky... Rocky, Rocky, Rocky, Rocky Rocastle!"—still brings goosebumps and some tears.
I had the honour and privilege to meet Rocky many times at Highbury and every single time he flashed that smile and asked how I was doing, never once refused to sign an autograph, stopped and spoke to fans like he personally knew them all.
When he passed away in 2001 at just 33, it broke the hearts of football fans everywhere, regardless of allegiance. But at Arsenal, he never truly left. His name is sung at every match, the indoor hall at the Hale End academy is named in his honor, and his spirit is woven directly into the fabric of the club.
Yesterday's sea of red and white was for him, too. He’ll always be watching over the Gunners.
English
