Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp laments the departure of his teammate Marc Overmars, who signed for Barcelona last weekend.

"[Marc] wasn't only a team-mate and fellow Dutchman, he was a great friend," Bergkamp says to Soccernet. "It won't be the same without him in the country."

But still, ever the optimist, Bergkamp's message to the fans on his official website is: "Cheer up Arsenal fans, we're going to have a great season."

And another gem from 'his own hand': "I am enjoying playing for this club and under this manager. Sometimes with some clubs you get the feeling at this time of year that it's 'just another season'. At Arsenal you always get the feeling the club are aiming to improve on the previous year and we still have a lot to do at Highbury. Next season I want us to go places and I will be there to make sure they do."