Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger was speaking to the club’s official website following Barcelona’s Champions League triumph, saying that had he stayed, Thierry Henry could have helped the Gunners in winning the title last year.

The Frenchman said:

Maybe he could have made a difference, maybe last year. We had 83 points and with him we could have gained two or three more that could have won us the championship.

But at that time I felt that a guy who has played eight or nine years for you, and has shown that kind of desire, it’s difficult to stand in his way.

If he had done two or three years I would have said ‘my friend, you stay here’ but when he has given so much [it is different]. He had this opportunity at Barcelona, he had a first very difficult year but I am very happy he made it this year.

He has convinced everybody because he is a top-class player and you want them to be successful.