Wenger tips Henry to succeed
26 Apr 2008 - 10:53:29
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he is flattered that Thierry Henry would only return to England to rejoin the Gunners, but thinks that the striker will prove himself to be a star at Barcelona.
The 30-year-old French international has struggled in his first season at the Camp Nou, sparking talk of a return to England as early as next summer.
However, Wenger told reporters: "Thierry said he is happy at Barcelona and if he comes back he will only play at Arsenal, which I find really a very good statement.
"He is happy at Barcelona. You can never say never, but at the moment I do not think about that (signing him again).
"I think he has a lot to offer as a player. I still feel he is a world-class player and he will prove in Barcelona that he is one of their better players.
"Thierry is disappointed because things haven't gone as well as he would have liked them to go. The whole team in Barcelona has not worked completely, they were never in the race for the championship.
"What was a little bit damaging to his success at Barcelona is that Ronaldinho has not turned up this season, so that the closest one who can play left wing is Thierry and that is where he plays.
"That is not his preferred position and that is not where he is most efficient. In football, things can change quickly when you have talent and he has plenty."