By David Gold
April 14 – Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, a lifelong fan of the Premiership club and a driving force behind the club’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, has died at the age of 66.
Fiszman sold his shares in the club to Stan Kroenke at the start of the week, triggering the American businessman’s formal takeover of the club.
He had been suffering with throat cancer for some time, and was praised by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood.
“Danny Fiszman was a visionary Director, a gentleman and a true Arsenal fan,” said Hill-Wood.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend Danny.
“His voice, wisdom and presence around the football club he so dearly loved will be sorely missed.
“Arsenal Football Club will forever be indebted to Danny for his invaluable foresight and contribution during the move from Highbury to our new stadium.
“Our thoughts at this time are with Danny’s wife Sally, family and friends.
“We have lost a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend.”
The club’s players paid tribute to Fiszman, with Jack Wilshere writing on his twitter feed:”RIP Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, a huge fan, will be missed by us all…great man and big part of the club!”
Dutch forward Robin van Persie added: “I’m sorry to hear our director Mr Fiszman has passed away.
“My condolences on the loss of a family man, friend and a huge Arsenal fan. RIP.”
Kroenke, now Arsenal’s majority shareholder, said:”Danny’s unwavering commitment to Arsenal football club and the sport of football was amazing and inspiring.
“He taught me so much about the proud history and traditions of Arsenal.
“We not only lost a great business leader but a good friend.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”
Fiszman, the son of a Belgian Jewish couple who fled the Nazis in 1945, made his fortune in diamonds and bought 10,000 shares from former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein in 1991.
He subsequently joined the club’s board of directors in 1992, and during his time on the board oversaw one of the most successful periods in the club’s history under the management of Arsene Wenger.
He was involved in bringing key signings including Dennis Bergkamp, one of the club’s greatest ever players, to North London.
The key legacy he leaves is Arsenal’s new stadium, a project he was heavily involved in along with fellow director Ken Friar, and which has vastly increased the team’s revenues, giving the club the financial potential to compete long term at the top of the Premier League.
In honour of his service and contribution to the club, Arsenal today held a ceremony at which they renamed two bridges at the Emirates Stadium, previously known as the “North” and “South” Bridges, after Fiszman and Friar respectively.
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