115-goal forward now claims joining Arsenal was ‘the best decision’ he ever made

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One iconic former Arsenal player has now claimed that joining the club was the best decision he made in his career.

A number of players have spent the most successful periods of their careers at Arsenal.

The likes of Paul Merson, Sol Campbell, Freddie Ljungbberg, and Charlie George, amongst many other Arsenal legends, all won their most notable silverware whilst representing the north London club.

Alan Smith was another to have enjoyed a hugely successful time at Arsenal. The striker, affectionately nicknamed Smudger, joined the club from Leicester City in 1987. The target man went on to score 115 goals in 347 appearances for the Gunners, across all competitions, before hanging up his boots for good in 1995.

Alan Smith’s Arsenal legacy

Over the course of his eight seasons with Arsenal, Smith twice won the English top flight golden boot, in 1989 and 1991. In both of those campaigns, the Gunners claimed the title, having been fired to the triumph by Smith. 

The title win in 1989 will forever be etched in Arsenal folklore. On the final day of the season, Arsenal needed to win by two clear goals at Anfield to beat Liverpool to the title. Smith put the Gunners 1-0 up on Merseyside, and then, in final minute, he was on hand again to provide the assist for Michael Thomas’ famous goal which clinched the trophy for the Gunners.

Alongside those two title wins, Smith also picked up winners’ medals in the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup – still Arsenal’s greatest continental achievement.

It was on this day in 1987 that Smith first signed for Arsenal. The 61-year-old took to X to mark the occasion, branding the move the “best decision I ever made.”

Alan Smith gives verdict on current Arsenal squad

Smith still keeps a close eye on the goings on at the Emirates Stadium, and will be backing Mikel Arteta’s men to achieve a Premier League title triumph of their own this season. Smith has been particularly impressed by Jakub Kiwior recently. The Polish defender has developed as a player in his time at Arsenal and has now emerged as a solid left-back option, despite naturally being more comfortable when playing at centre-back.

Smith also showed support for Kai Havertz as he struggled to settle into life at Arsenal after his switch from Chelsea. The German forward has hit form in recent weeks. Havertz has impressed as a striker for Arsenal, using his aerial prowess and physicality to lead the line in a fashion reminiscent of how Smith once did.