Football fans around the globe are petitioning for a permanent memorial dedicated to the memory of a Lewisham great.

David 'Rocky' Rocastle passed away from a non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma on March 31 2001, aged just 33.

15 years on, football fans are petitioning Arsenal F.C to erect a memorial to Rocastle at the Emirates Stadium.

Petition creator Aaron Downey said: "David's name is sung at every match, we have statues of other club legends at the Emirates and David is truly one of our own.

"He was a man who understood what it meant to play for Arsenal, a man of the people, and someone who still had the adulation and respect of the Arsenal support years after last lacing his boots."

Mr Downey revealed he had received a personal message of support from Steven Rocastle, Mr Rocastle's brother who described it as an amazing gesture.

"The idea of a statue has been mooted by multiple people who signed the petition, and we feel something permanent we can visit to remember David, and something we can show younger supporters how much he is loved and missed at Arsenal would be fitting."

"I was very young but remember Rocky as a player who I now feel represents what Arsenal are about - playing the game with pace, technical skill and with a smile on your face.

"His immortal quote - "Remember who you are - what you are - and who you represent" - is something that not only represents the club, it's something to live by and a true mark of the man."

Mr Rocastle made 277 appearances for Arsenal over a 10-year period as well as playing for Leeds, Manchester City and Chelsea More than 1500 people worldwide have signed the petition since it was created on May 22.

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/erect-a-memorial-to-rocky-rocastle-at-the-emirates?just_created=true