Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta laments ‘big loss’ after Everton announce death of Bill Kenwright
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to former Everton chairman Bill Kenwright following his death at the age of 78.
As per the official Everton website (24 October), Kenwright passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Arteta, currently in the Arsenal dugout, made over 200 appearances for the Merseyside club during his playing career.
“I had a really personal and strong relationship with Bill,” said Arteta, as quoted by the official Everton website (24 October). “I cannot be more grateful for the way he treated me, the advice he always gave me and how close he and his family were with me.
“I know he has been through a lot in the past few years and his passing is a big loss for Everton and for me personally as well.”
Sad news
Kenwright clearly meant the world to a long list of people with and without connections to Everton, with tributes pouring in for the club’s former chairman. He has definitely left a lasting mark on the Toffees, and will undoubtedly be missed by many in the years to come.
And Arteta is among those who Kenwright made a big impact on, with the pair getting to know each other during the Spaniard’s time at Goodison Park.
Arsenal manager Arteta made a total of 209 appearances for the Toffees, playing more times for Everton than he did for any other club during his lengthy career.
At Goodison, the former midfielder clinched several individual honours and was a real fan favourite in the blue half of Merseyside.
Other former players to pay tribute to Kenwright include Duncan Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and Tim Cahill, with current men Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane also sending heartfelt messages following his death.
In other Everton news, Chris Sutton has slammed one Toffees player live on BBC after what happened against fierce rivals Liverpool.