Arsenal have today announced the sad news that much-loved supporter Maria Petri has died.
A statement via the club's official website reads: "It was with great sadness that the club has heard of the passing of legendary supporter Maria Petri. It’s very difficult to put into words what Maria meant to everyone involved at Arsenal Football Club: players, staff and fellow supporters.
"Rarely can it be said that ‘games just won’t be the same’ without a supporter, but Maria’s presence, her legendary ‘Come on You Gunners!’ and many, many supportive songs created over the decades, will truly leave a void on matchdays at Emirates Stadium, Meadow Park and at away matches wherever we are playing.
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"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.'
"Well, everyone at Arsenal Football Club can’t quite believe that you won’t be able to give your very special support to our club anymore. You’ve been one in a million and we’ll never forget you Maria. Rest In Peace."
Among those leading the tributes for Maria has been former Arsenal defender Alex Scott as she tweeted out a lovely message: "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."
Meanwhile, Ian Wright first reacted to the sad news on the social media platform by uploading an image of himself and Maria at a game with a series of crying face and broken heart emojis before commenting on a photo taken in 2020 with a simple four-word message: "Maria Home & Away".
Rob Holding, currently on the US pre-season tour, reflected on Instagram and said: "A sad day for the club, an Arsenal legend!" the defender wrote. "Every game, under 23's, womens and mens you could hear her voice. Will be missed, Rest in Peace Maria."
And the tributes haven't stopped there. In one tweet, former striker Alan Smith summed up exactly what Maria meant to Arsenal football club: "To me and my teammates, Maria was simply a part of Arsenal, someone always there with that familiar cry," he wrote. "So sorry to hear the news."
In addition, Katie McCabe echoed that sentiment. "Maria you were our biggest supporter, with the best songs and had the most infectious smile," she wrote on Twitter. "A true gooner through and through. We love Maria we do oh Maria we love you."
It's not just current and former Arsenal players who have paid tribute to Maria, as fellow supporters, including celebrity fan Piers Morgan, have also shared their condolences.
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