As one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Arsenal have had their fair share of legends over the years.
From the heroes of yesteryear like John Radford and Liam Brady to more contemporary icons like Thierry Henry, the Arsenal history books are full of iconic players.
Even footballers who ended up plying their trade for some of Arsenal’s biggest rivals will admit that there were Gunners players they idolised.
John Terry is one such player, naming a player who had a wonderful career at Highbury as one of his big idols growing up.
Terry also listed said player among the best Premier League stars of all time in his position.
John Terry deems Arsenal legend Tony Adams one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs
The player in question is Tony Adams, with Terry listing him on Sportbible among the four best Premier League defenders of all time.
Terry said he loved watching Adams play and loved how he was all about the Gunners, not to mention his leadership skills as he steered Arsenal to silverware.
“I’m going to go Tony Adams,” Terry said as he picked his Mount Rushmore of Premier League defenders. “Big idol of mine growing up.
“Loved watching him play, loved his passion, love that he loved the Arsenal Football Club, you could see that from an opposition player and fan as well.
“Led Arsenal to many major trophies as well, top player consistently for a very long time.”
Terry also picked himself, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi also praised Adams recently, saying the Arsenal legend is his dream centre-back partner.
Why Tony Adams became known as Mr. Arsenal
Adams is known as Mr. Arsenal because of his unwavering loyalty to the Gunners and his impact at the North London giants as a one-club man.
Adams spent the entirety of his 19-year career as a centre-back at Highbury, making 672 appearances for Arsenal and winning four English league titles.
He uniquely captained a title-winning team in three different decades – in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002.
Adams also won three FA Cups, two Football League Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and two FA Community Shields.
In addition, he won 66 caps for England between 1987 and 2000, and played at four tournaments with the Three Lions.
Adams is one of six people honoured with a statue outside the Emirates Stadium.
