Former Arsenal title-winner explains why he had a much better ‘connection’ with their London rivals

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One former Arsenal player has now revealed that he feels a stronger connection to another capital city club, rather than the Gunners.

Many players that leave Arsenal retain a strong connection with the club. Plenty of old faces were seen at the Emirates Stadium for the final match of last season, for instance.

Arsenal legends retain strong links with the club, and plenty of former players are still employed by the North London outfit. For example, manager Mikel Arteta, sporting director Edu, academy director Per Mertesacker, and under-18s boss Jack Wilshere all represented Arsenal in their playing days. 

However, Luis Boa Morte, who spent two seasons with the club between 1997 and 1999, feels a greater kinship with another of his former sides.

The Portuguese winger made 37 appearances for the Gunners, across all competitions, in his time with the club, scoring four goals. He featured fairly often for the side that won the 1997/98 Premier League title, but was never able to make himself a regular starter under Arsene Wenger. 

In the summer of 1999, Boa Morte joined Southampton, but only spent a single season on the south coast club before moving on again.

It was not until the 46-year-old joined Fulham the following year that he was able to truly establish himself as a Premier League regular.

The 28-cap former Portugal international spent seven seasons at Craven Cottage, before moving on to join West Ham United.

• READ MORE: All Arsenal legends in the Premier League Hall of Fame from Henry to Wenger

Former Arsenal attacker Luis Boa Morte holds Fulham closest to his heart

Boa Morte made over 200 appearances for Fulham, and is fondly remembered in West London. Until recently, he held a coaching role with the club too.

Speaking to O Jogo, as quoted by Sport Witness, Boa Morte said of his relationship with Fulham: “That’s where I had the most influence, although at Arsenal I won the Premier League, the Cup and the Super Cup. 

“But Fulham says a lot to me: for the promotion, for everything I’ve been through and for having created a connection with the club and the fans. It was very important in my growth as a player and a man. They believed in me when I didn’t count for Southampton.”