Tributes have poured in from the Arsenal community after the Gunners' most famous fan Maria Petri passed away at the age of 82.
For over six decades, Maria Petri touched the hearts of every Arsenal fan with her undying passion for the north-London club. A well-known face at the iconic Emirates Stadium, Maria Petri, passed away on Friday at 82, sending shockwaves in the Arsenal community.
"A true club legend. The ultimate supporter. For years, Maria attended evert men's, women's and academy game to support The Arsenal. Her spirit, love and commitment to the club will live on forever. Rest in peace, Maria," wrote Arsenal in a statement.
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Forever in our hearts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/spPp3s2z1Y
— Arsenal (@Arsenal)Maria Petri accompanied the squad at home and away games and was renowned for her upbeat attitude, songs, and chants. She has made many friends in the game because of her support of Arsenal throughout the years.
"We are all really sorry to hear the news. She was an integral part of our support and our community. The way she transmitted Arsenal values and the feeling of this football club was something I have never seen before. She was everywhere, every single week and she will be missed. Big time," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
I asked Mikel Arteta for his thoughts on the late Maria Petri, the matriarch of the Arsenal fanbase. He was very aware, and had kind words. pic.twitter.com/x0hgcWOtww
— The Gooners Podcast (@TheGoonersPod)Maria often said that "Arsenal was her family", and that family is devastated today. She also said, "I shall be oh so upset when I die. I won't be able to watch Arsenal anymore." Since the news first surfaced on Friday, social media has been inundated with condolence messages.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright tweeted a picture of himself with Maria alongside a succession of crying emojis and broken hearts.
1-0 to The Arsenal. George would have been proud of that one! pic.twitter.com/74KUEB4SZA
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0)Maria Home & Away ♥️♥️♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/gPMZ0l5CvU
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0)TV presenter and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan tweeted, "RIP Arsenal's greatest fan, Maria Petri. Never missed a game, and we always heard her chants. Magnificent lady & all-time club legend."
RIP Arsenal’s greatest fan, Maria Petri. Never missed a game, and we always heard her chants. Magnificent lady & all-time club legend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k7D7vXYUIB
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan)Former Arsenal player Alex Scott posted a picture of the two together, along with a broken-heart emoji and the caption, "Arsenal through and through... Thank you for the love, the passion, the songs and support for us @ArsenalWFC from the very beginning. We will never forget you, Maria. We love you."
💔😭Arsenal through and through..
Thank you for the love, the passion, the songs and support for us from the very beginning.
We will never forget you Maria, We love you ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ba4uTt5zvV
Meanwhile, Gilly Flaherty, who began her career at Arsenal and is now at Liverpool, said, "Can't tell you how gutted I am hearing this news today. My time at Arsenal wouldn't have been the same without Maria. Even after leaving Arsenal, she made time for me every time I went back. Heartbreaking news. Rest in peace Maria, you will be missed so much."
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Can’t tell you how gutted I am hearing this news today 😢 My time at Arsenal wouldn’t of been the same without Maria. Even after leaving Arsenal she made time for me every time I went back. Heartbreaking news. Rest in peace Maria, you will be missed so much 💔 pic.twitter.com/2UKV3Los3t
— Gilly Flaherty (@Gilly_flaherty)And Arsenal Women Supporters Club posted a number of photos of Maria, and wrote, "Our Maria. We will miss you."
A true club legend. The ultimate supporter.
For years, Maria attended 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 men’s, women’s and academy game to support The Arsenal.
Her spirit, love and commitment to the club will live on forever.
Rest in peace, Maria Petri ❤️
Here's a look at some of the tributes that flooded Twitter:
This is my tribute to the beautiful Maria Petri who passed away today
R.I.P Maria Mrs Arsenal - you were ‘s number one fan
🔴⚪️💔💔 pic.twitter.com/mpY5jrvpAB
No one lived and breathed Arsenal more than Maria Petri. She will sadly be missed by us all, but her spirit and influence will live on! pic.twitter.com/egYHp9Wcmk
— Milo (@MiloFilm)RIP MARIA PETRI WILL BE MISSED OVER THE ARSENAL, REMEMBER BEING MY TEACHER AT WOODBERRY DOWN ALWAYS LOVED TALKING ABOUT THE ARSENAL MAY YOU RIP🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/QGMaiYCLze
— Maxwell (@Alberchino64)R.I.E.P Maria Petri - an absolute Arsenal Legend who supported The Arsenal from Youth to First Team with a Passion! You will be sorely missed X 🙏🏿❤️⭐️😢🥺⚽️⭐️
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell)Horrible news to hear the sad passing of Maria Petri,she had such a beautiful bond with fans and players. Every-time I’ve been at Meadow Park she has been one of the first voices that I’ve heard. She is a real icon of Arsenal. A really special person that will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/l4I2vcAbac
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball)AVE MARIA PETRI - Truly an legend. Always one of us. RIP 🔴⚪️❤️ pic.twitter.com/pMZaYYY7mE
— @NorthBanksy (@northbanksyafc)Everyone on the tour so sad to hear about the passing of Maria Petri. Wherever we was we always heard her. Half way round the world you would always hear Come on you Gunners. RIP Maria ❤️
— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele)My timeline this evening has been full of tributes to the ultimate football supporter, Maria Petri.
A fan, not of Arsenal Men, Arsenal Women or Arsenal Academy - she was just ARSENAL.
An example to us all. Maria, we’ll miss your enthusiasm, charm and presence in the stands - RIP. pic.twitter.com/Mbv0kRUt4d
It is with great sadness that we report the death of the mighty Maria Petri, one of Arsenal Football Supporters Club longest serving members.
Maria was a very special person who epitomised how to support your club.
The members of AFSC send their deepest condolences.
😢