The Romford born 6ft 3 centre back was the perfect definition of a typical English centre-back, tall, lanky, mobile and an aerial threat. He had a career that spans for 19 years in which he represented one club all through. Tony Adams is Mr Arsenal. He joined the north London club as a schoolboy in 1980 and went on to make 504 appearances in all competitions.
Adams’ heading ability was not only significant while defending but also during set-pieces. He scored thirty-two goals for Arsenal and scored five goals while on duty for the England National team. He occasionally made long darting runs into the box to create chances, set up goals and score goals as well.
He did not just have a huge physique but also had a larger than life personality which oozed in the dressing room and rubbed off on his teammates. He was made captain of Arsenal at the age of 21 and he leads the team for 14 years until his retirement.
He was part of the famous back four alongside Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn under George Graham who perfected the art of the offside trap. This back four was responsible for some successful campaigns which yielded in League and Cup victories.
Despite his success on the pitch, he struggled with battles off it. For a better part of his playing career, Adams battled with alcoholism which nearly cost him his life on the 6th of May 1990. Whilst intoxicated, he crashed his car into a wall. He was imprisoned for four months after it was discovered that his blood-alcohol level was four times higher than the legal drink-drive limit.
The arrival of Arsene Wenger in October 1996 aided his rehabilitation and recovery process. Apart from the positive change in his personal life, Adams became a more improved defender as helped Arsenal to clinch two doubles in the 1997/98 season and 2001/02 season. Both doubles included the Premier League and FA Cup.
He won 10 major honours with Arsenal which included four English League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups. He also won several PFA and Premier League accolades as he was in the team of the year 4 times and was included in the PFA team of the century.
Adams represented the three lions for thirteen years. He remains the first and only England player to make tournament appearances across three decades. He is an Arsenal and England legend.