Striker hopes Wenger will remain at Arsenal
MADRID: Thierry Henry said he left Arsenal on good terms with coach Arsene Wenger and is hopeful that the Frenchman will remain at the London club.
"The relationship with Arsene was out of this world," Henry told a news conference after signing a four-year deal with new club Barcelona on Monday.
"I talked to him about private stuff ... about everything. Our friendship won't stop just because I'm coming to Barcelona. It goes beyond that.
"I can only go on what he has said and that is that he would see out his contract at Arsenal. I would like to see him stay there because if he goes it will be pretty difficult for the club."
Asked what Wenger's reaction was when he told him of his desire to sign for the Spanish club, Henry replied: "We didn't have a fight in the room. We are both big men and we both respect each other." Henry, who was Arsenal's top scorer in four of the five Premier League seasons between 2001-06 and established Arsenal's all-time club scoring with 226 goals in 364 matches, said he did not think the club's fans would feel let down by his decision to leave the Emirates stadium.
"I don't have the impression that the fans are angry or disappointed," said the former Arsenal club captain.
"I think they appreciated what I've done.
"I have to show respect for Arsenal. You have to say something to the fans and that's why I gave a statement on the Arsenal Web site because too many players leave without saying anything."
Henry told the Arsenal Web site that deciding to leave the club has been "the most difficult decision of his life".
Agencies
(China Daily 06/27/2007 page24)
