Mikel Arteta reflected on the contribution of Ken Friar to Arsenal.

The news of the passing of Friar was revealed on Tuesday just before the Gunners took to the field at the Emirates Stadium and earned a 3-0 win against LOSC Lille in the Champions League.

Few could claim to epitomise a connection with a club more deeply than Friar, who died aged 92.

From box office to Life President

A chance encounter with manager George Allison led to him getting part-time work for the Gunners in his youth, earning the opportunity to work in the box office at Arsenal after he finished school.

Promotions to the role of club secretary in 1973 and managing director in 1983 cemented his significance to Arsenal, and he was given an OBE for his services to football in 2000.

An instrumental figure in the move from Highbury Stadium to the team’s current home, he embodied past, present and future of Arsenal. His relentless commitment to the club was rewarded with the position of Life President in 2000 after he stepped down as an executive director, leaving a legacy.