There have been several cult heroes who have come through the doors at Fratton Park over the years.
Andrés D’Alessandro’s 13-game loan spell in 2006, Paul Merson propelling Pompey back into the top flight, and Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi’s record-breaking transfer in 2001.
At times, the Blues have had incredible talents grace the Fratton Park turf: the mesmeric Lassana Diarra, England’s number one, David James, and former Arsenal goliath, Sol Campbell; it must be noted the latter isn’t the most popular figure on the south coast nowadays.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil spent much of his career with Pompey. After coming through the ranks in the early 2000s, he featured 193 times for the Blues.
Portsmouth: O’Neil names the best player he’s played with
The 40-year-old played with his fair share of greats, and O’Neil has named a certain Robert Prosinecki as the best he’s shared a pitch with.
“Robert Prosinečki. He was incredible. Different era, obviously. He was old by the time he came to Portsmouth but was just incredible,” said the Wolves boss (via the Daily Mail.
“Paul Merson was fantastic. Sol Campbell. David James was an incredible goalkeeper on his day.
“Gaizka Mendieta at Middlesbrough. He was sort of cast aside by the club at that point and didn’t play much, but he was unbelievably gifted, like on another level’.”
Prosinecki’s spell on the South Coast was brief, yet there’s a robust argument to suggest the Croatian is the greatest player ever to don the royal blue strip.
The midfielder, who had previously played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, featured 34 times for Pompey, scoring nine goals.
His talents and skill level haven’t been forgotten.
“I mean, the man was a genius,” said former Pompey striker Peter Crouch (The Sun).
The Croatian has fond memories of his time in PO4.
He told the Portsmouth News in May 2023: “I hadn’t been back for 21 years, but still keep very nice memories of Pompey.
“In my year in Portsmouth, I felt loved by the fans, I believe I played really well for them, and it’s great to be back.”
“Playing for the club was amazing, very special, I can still see it now, they live and breathe for their football club.”