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Thierry Henry backs Arsenal to shock the big guns
Jon West23.07.09
Thierry Henry has told Arsenal fans that their dream of regaining the Premier League title can still come true this season.
The Gunners' record scorer is back in England with European champions Barcelona for the Wembley Cup tournament, which sees them take on Spurs tomorrow night.
The Frenchman knows his mentor Arsene Wenger has little cash to spend despite the £25million sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City. And with Samir Nasri already ruled out for six weeks, fans are not predicting a prompt return to glory.
But Henry insisted: "It's not going to be easy without Adebayor, obviously, and what happened with Nasri was unlucky, but I still believe they can win the League.
"That is always my feeling about my old club. It won't be easy because there are teams who are doing it every time, but you never know.
"I remember when I left everyone was saying it wouldn't be the same, but they ended up having a great season and nearly won the League.
"It can happen this year. I know everybody is saying this and that but in my heart I will always talk like that."
Gunners fans also know that even hanging onto fourth spot is likely to be tougher this term, especially as ambitious City have also bought Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry.
But Henry insisted: "Arsene and Arsenal have proven so many times they can win without spending a lot of money. People talk about the top four but the only thing that matters to me is who is going to be top and I know that's how Arsene sees it as well."
Wenger, meanwhile, has eased concerns over Eduardo's ankle by confirming the Arsenal striker is in line to make his pre-season bow in the next match at Szombathelyi Haladas.
"Eduardo should play on Monday," Wenger said after Arsenal's 7-1 pre-season friendly success over SC Columbia on Tuesday.
* The Wembley Cup tournament also features Celtic and Egyptian champions Al Ahly. Tickets from www.thewembleycup.com or Wembley Box Office.
Reader views (11)
Henry is a gr8 player... n wat he said just shows that..
- Ankit, India
I don't know if Henry is right, I hope he is, but this goes to show you the difference between having class and having none: With nothing to personally gain from predicting an Arsenal title or it actually happening, Henry offers his encouragement and confidence; while Adebayor blames the fans, rather than his own bad attitude and lackluster effort, for his departure to someone offering him more money. Henry is a top man, while Adebayor is another Cashley -- without the superstar wife.
- Uncle Mike, East Brunswick, NJ
JD, spot on! I thought the same when i read the article.
- Zoran, Skopje, Macedonia
I think henry should go back to Arsenal
- Henry, Newcastle Australia
Dont be FOOLED by the media sparking up interest as the season approaches...Arsenal have the class to be succesfull if they buy British Steel.
arsenal shoulnt be suprising the top clubs if they consider themselves to be a top club with HISTORY.
thierry henry comemnts are one persons opinion just as is ashley cole or fenando torres. Dont be FOOLED
chelsea man utd liverpool and aston villa arsenal city in that order
- James, london
thanks henry, you'll be always in our heart
- Akay, london, uk
Says this every year.Should have stayed instead of patronizing from afar. Knew he was smug, but he's getting worse.
- Ted, London
I have a sneaky suspicion that Arsenal might surprise a few people next season. With Eduardo & Rosicky, 2 excellent players back, the acquistion of Vermaelen, the young players having gained a years maturity & having disposed of the disruptive influence of Adebayor. Taking into account Man Utd having lost Ronaldo & Tavez, Liverpool having problems holding onto Alonso & Mascherano, Chelsea having similar problems with John Terry & an aging team, with a couple of intelligent signings in the centre back & central midfield areas, Arsenal could easily challenge for the title.
- Rob Gooner, North London
We have good and bad products. C Henry and Cashlycole. Who is the bad product whose heart is filled with arogance? Surely Henry is always matured and wise.
- Abdul Salam Conteh, Makeni, Sierra Leone
Thierry is right, Arsenal have the class, nous and pedigree to dominate the Premier League this season.
- Brian, kildare ireland
Compare these dignified comments to the comments of Cashley Cole and you see why Henry is admired by the whole football fraternity!
- Jd, Belfast
