David O'Leary recalls breaking down after Arsenal debut due to a special guest
O'Leary has just turned 17 and was in his third year as a reserve player when Arsenal boss Bertie Mee told him he was making his Arsenal debut against Burnley on August 16, 1975.
The Stoke Newington-born Dubliner played at the heart of the defence as Arsenal took a 2-0 and 3-1 lead against the Clarets, only to concede two late goals in a 3-3 draw.
For O'Leary, however, the moment he remembers most came after the game. 'My most joyful memory from that day is the fact that when I came into the dressing room after the match, everyone was congratulating me and then Bertie Mee said, 'I've got someone here to see you' and it was my dad. David O'Leary looks on before the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 (Image:)
'Arsenal had arranged to bring my dad over for the match – a gesture that was typical of Arsenal and Bertie Mee. When I saw my dad, I broke down a bit. I could see how proud he was. It was an amazing moment.
'I always keep my eyes out for Burnley's results because they were the team I made my debut against. I remember visiting Turf Moor a few years ago and I was thinking, 'this hasn't changed much, this is where you made your debut, this is where is all started for you'.'
Interviewed for Arsenal's matchday programme for the Premier League opener against Leeds United, who he went on to manage, O'Leary added: 'My parents lived in north London and I was born in north London and my dad was an Arsenal supporter. So, there was that influence and I also felt the pathway was there for players to go from the academy into the first team.
'That was a big reason for choosing Arsenal. I came over and there were some lads from Dublin already there. Liam Brady was a couple of years older than me and Frank Stapleton had been there a few years too.
'I didn't know them before I arrived but it was great to see Dublin lads doing well at the club.'
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