Gabriel Batistuta, a legendary Argentine striker has recalled his famous goal against Arsenal at Wembley to Fiorentina 1999.
The striker, nicknamed ‘Batigol’ for a superb goalscoring record spanning 17 years, was speaking on the 23rd anniversary of Fiorentina’s smash and grab 1-0 victory in the Champions League.
ArsenalAfter UEFA advertising boards reduced Highbury’s attendance significantly, they chose to play their Champions League matches at Wembley during 1998-1999.
The Gunners also had the opportunity to test if they could fill larger stadiums before moving to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.
The Champions League had two stages. Arsenal and Fiorentina fought for the right to join the first group stage.
With Barcelona cantering to first place in the group, matchday five provided Arsene Wenger’s side with the opportunity to get one over the Serie A club ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance for large periods, it was Batistuta who settled matters 15 minutes from time to hand Fiorentina a famous win.
“The goal against Arsenal, we had to win, the odds were not good,” said Batistuta on the Wembley showdown. “Before the game we said, ‘let’s try it’. They made it difficult for me for quite a while during the game. [Francesco]Toldo saved everything.
“I was on the right, Rui Costa was on the left and I was like ‘please give it to me, I’m going to smash the goal’.
“Until this ball came out to [Jorg]Heinrich was in our side and he was moving the ball forward. I understood the situation immediately. He continued to carry the ball until he made the right choice and he passed the ball to me.”
The goal ultimately killed off Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions as Wenger’s men ended the group stage in third place meaning they dropped into the UEFA Cup where they went on to lose the final on penalties against Galatasaray.
Batistuta’s nine-year stint at Fiorentina, where he scored 167 goals over 269 games, will be remembered. He also played briefly at Inter Milan and at Roma.
The striker had an impressive total of 54 goals in 78 matches for Argentina. He was also one the few to have crossed the Superclasico division, having represented both Boca Juniors as well River Plate.
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