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11th Jan 2016

VIDEO: Arsene Wenger pays tribute to David Bowie for inspiring a generation

Nooruddean Choudry

Arsene Wenger is always worth listening to.

Whether ruminating on football, society, life or culture, the Arsenal man offers his views with clarity and eloquence. Other than when his opinions are clouded by professional bias, he tends to hit the nail on the head more often than not.

Ahead of Arsenal’s game with Liverpool on Wednesday night, Wenger was asked at this press conference about the sad passing of David Bowie. Many football men would have balked at such an incongruous topic. Not Wenger.

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Rather than respond with a empty platitude or dismissive condolence, the Frenchman spoke from the heart about a modern cultural icon who had inspired so many during his phenomenonal life.

“Yes I am a fan of [Bowie’s] music of course,” explained Wenger. “The message he gave to my generation was very important, because it was after the Second World War.

“What I keep from his message is: Be strong enough to be yourself. That is a very strong message and that was very important for my generation.”

Well said Arsene, well said.