Mikel Arteta has dedicated Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Lille to the club’s lifetime president, Ken Friar OBE, who died yesterday aged 92. Friar devoted his life to serving Arsenal and remained a lifelong supporter.
He followed the Gunners and would have loved to watch the Lille match. Arsenal marked his passing with a victory and will seek to build on his legacy at the Emirates.
Friar’s lifelong connection with Arsenal
Born in Islington, London, Friar attended school around Highbury as a child. He began working part-time for Arsenal in 1946, aged 12, beginning an association that lasted nearly a century.
Friar helped shape Arsenal’s identity and values. His death is an opportunity to celebrate his life and recognise his lasting impact.
It was fitting that Arsenal won against Lille as supporters mourned his loss. The result helped honour a figure whose connection with the club spanned generations.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arteta pays tribute to the club president
After the game, Arsenal Media reported Arteta’s tribute to Friar, as the manager reflected on his influence and sent condolences to his family.
“Before we start, I would like to say a few words about Ken Friar, our life president. It’s a really sad day for everybody that loves Arsenal Football Club, anybody who loves football, and anybody who has come across him. I had the privilege, the honour, to meet him and to spend time with him, to learn from him. There are people at football clubs who have a role and fulfil it, and others who create an identity, values, and they have a vision to create that future for the football club. The legacy Ken is going to leave, to all of us, to our football club, to everybody that has been close to him, is going to be forever. I want to pass on all our love to his relatives, his family, so they know that the way we feel about him cannot be anything but extraordinary.”
Arteta’s words reflected the respect Friar earned at Arsenal. The victory over Lille gave the club a moment to honour his memory.
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