Some players return to their former club admired by fans. Others are greeted by anger. And then there’s Nicklas Bendtner.
The former Arsenal striker made his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium as a Wolfsburg player, and the Dane toed the line between cult hero and figure of fun.
He may have won three trophies in as many seasons, but ‘Lord Bendtner’, as he is affectionately known, received a mixed reception from his former fans after taking to the field against the club where he made his professional debut.
Great to see Nicklas Bendtner returning to the Emirates today, thankfully for the opposition! #lordbendtner
— Simon Dutton (@Si_Dutton) July 26, 2015
Nicklas Bendtner is like a bad Nicklas Bendtner.
— Billy Dunmore (@Dunmoreorless) July 26, 2015
Bendtner trying to side foot in from 35 yards. Still thinks he's the greatest striker that ever lived.
— Ritchie (@laughinggooner) July 26, 2015
He came out to applause from the Emirates faithful upon coming on as a substitute in Wolfsburg’s game against Villarreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c3GMZa3IY8
But while the return of a former cult hero is sometimes laced with a fear that he might embarrass his former employers, there seemed to be no such concerns from Gunners fans.
https://twitter.com/NutmegRadio/status/625329078967603200
Bendtner was 'ambitious' – not for trying his luck from 40 yards, but for putting his boots on in the first place. #Arsenal
— James Shillaker (@JamesShillaker) July 26, 2015
At least Bendtner still holds Arsenal in high regard, even if he’s seen as a punchline by many at the club.
https://instagram.com/p/5hwXA-A_ie/?taken-by=bendtner3
