Arsenal wear black armbands in their friendly against Chelsea in tribute to Maria Petri.
Maria, who had been a staunch supporter of Arsenal since 1950, died this week at the age of 82.
She regularly attended matches at Highbury and the Emirates Stadium, and has also closely followed the ladies of Arsenal since their founding in 1987.
As a tribute to Maria, Arsenal players wore black armbands in their preseason game against Chelsea in Orlando on Saturday night.
“We are all very sorry to hear the news,” Mikel Arteta said Friday.
“She was an integral part of our support and our community. The way she conveyed Arsenal values and the feeling of this football club was something I’ve never seen before.
“She was everywhere, every week and she will be missed. Big time.’
In their tribute to Maria, Arsenal wrote: “It is very difficult to put into words what Maria meant to everyone involved at Arsenal Football Club: players, staff and fellow supporters.
“Rarely can one say that ‘games just aren’t the same’ without a supporter, but Maria’s presence, her legendary ‘Come on You Gunners!’ and many, many supporting songs made over the decades will really leave a void on match days at Emirates Stadium, Meadow Park and away games wherever we play.
“Maria started following Arsenal in 1950, she was only 12 years old and remained a staunch supporter for the rest of her life.
“Mary often said that ‘Arsenal was her family’ and that family is now devastated. She also said: “I will be so upset when I die, I won’t be able to watch Arsenal anymore.”
“Well, everyone at Arsenal Football Club can’t believe you can’t support our club so much anymore. You have been one in a million and we will never forget you Maria. Rest in peace.’
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