One of the finest commentators of all time, Alan Smith was a prolific Gunner a few decades ago

Alan Smith, the man requires no introduction as he is one of the greatest football commentators of all time. Not just a commentator, Smith is recognized as a legendary analyst and columnist who regularly writes for different newspapers and magazines. Not to forget, the virtual game of FIFA by Electronic Arts (EA) employs his voice for the in-game commentary, and they have been applying his voice since the edition of 2011. In short, Alan Smith is a distinguished personality in the world of football who is recognized by practically every football fanatic. However, there’s another side of Alan Smith which most individuals are not aware of.

Before turning into an eminent commentator, analyst, writer and pundit; Alan Smith was an Arsenal legend. Smith commenced his playing career in 1982 with the then second division club Leicester City. For Leicester, Smith performed in 217 games and scored 84 goals over five long years. In 1987, the renowned George Graham picked Alan Smith up as he thought Alan Smith was an outstanding left-footed striker who could also head a few goals.

Although Alan Smith did not spend a protracted period with club Arsenal, he produced several fine performances which enabled Arsenal to accomplish some big games. In the 1988/89 season, Alan Smith exhibited a sensational performance against club Liverpool. In the 52nd minute of the match, Smith headed in a goal and a few minutes later, he assisted Michel Thomas for a second goal.

In the season of 1990/91, Smith recorded 27 league goals which were considered an extraordinary number in the 90s era of football. Not to forget, his marvellous performance earned him the Golden Boot Award. For four successive seasons, Alan Smith was Arsenal’s leading scorer who guided the club of Arsenal to its first European glory in decades. In 1994, Arsenal was playing against club Parma in the Cup Winners’ Cup at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen. With Ian Wright suspended, Smith took the responsibility on his shoulder and recorded a left-footed volley in the 21st minute because of which Arsenal earned the trophy.

Alan Smith hanged his playing boots in 1995, but these moments turned him into an Arsenal legend. For Arsenal, the illustrious commentator scored 115 goals across all tournaments.