It is 25 years since the death of Arsenal legend David Rocastle, who passed away at the age of 33. He had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Rocastle, known as Rocky, played primarily for Arsenal. He made 277 appearances for the Gunners after debuting at 18.
He scored 34 goals for Arsenal and won the League title in 1989 and 1991, in addition to the League Cup in 1987.
Wright’s Tribute to a ‘Best Mate’
Rocastle and Ian Wright grew up together in Brockley and later played for Arsenal. Wright called Rocastle “a best mate and team-mate” on BBC Radio 5 Live after his death.
Wright told Arsenal club media, “He was somebody that played hard and fair. He was a gentleman to everybody.”
Wright added, “People think I started supporting Arsenal when I got there but he’s the reason why I love Arsenal so much.
“On my first league game for Arsenal, we were in the tunnel and David looked at me and said ‘look at us, man, Brockley boys bro. Look where we are’.
“I went out and scored a hat-trick and David scored the other one. We beat Southampton 4-0 and it is the best day of my life.
“When he was leaving, I cried for three days. I genuinely thought I was going to be with him for the whole time I was there.
“The best time I had at Arsenal was the year there with him.”
Cole Inspired by Rocastle’s Kindness
Ashley Cole, another England international, was inspired by Rocastle. Cole was in the Arsenal youth system while Rocastle played for the senior team.
Cole recalled, “As a 10-year-old boy, I was injured while playing for the kids team at Arsenal and had to come and see Gary Lewin [the physiotherapist] and luckily enough he [Rocastle] was sitting on the treatment table.
“He didn’t have to speak to me but he took time out and asked my name and how I was.
“After that, I just started following him and tried to be like him.”
Cole said, “Now I look back and think what a great career I have had, but I will never forget speaking to him.”
Rocastle’s Later Career
Rocastle also played for Manchester City, Leeds and Chelsea.
Rocastle (right) and Paul Davis both came through Arsenal’s youth system and were members of two league-winning sides at Highbury.