View Full Version : Arsenal 2006/2007
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Arsenal could reportedly be the subject of a takeover bid from the man who attempted to orchestrate a purchase of Liverpool earlier in the year.
Mohammed Al Hashimi helped convince Sheik Muhammed Al Maktoum to launch a £450million bid for the Anfield club, before Liverpool accepted a rival approach from new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Now Al Hashimi admits Arsenal could be an attractive proposition as he looks to become a major player in the Premier League.
"I know the owners are very reluctant to sell but I see Arsenal as a very profitable club," Al Hashimi told The Sun.
"Liverpool was an opportunity which does not come along every day but we have to move on."
Any bid will require the financial backing of the Dubai government, via their investment arm Dubai International Capital.
Al Hashimi could also face competition from another American investor, Stan Kroenke, who has already taken a 12.19 per cent stake in The Gunners.
Gunners fail with defender bid
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Arsenal have had an offer for Norwegian starlet Havard Nordveit rejected by his club FK Haugesund.
Arsene Wenger travelled to Norway on Sunday in an attempt to clinch the signing of the 16-year-old defender, but further talks will be required after The Gunners saw their bid turned down.
Manchester United have also been linked with the highly-rated youngster in the past, but Emirates Stadium remains his most likely destination this summer despite Haugesund playing hard-ball.
"We had a nice talk, but we didn't reach an agreement," FKH director Nils Halvor Berge told TV2.
"But we are still discussing, the door is not closed."
Another member of Haugesund's board, Ingolf Steensnaes, has stated that: "We were very close to agreeing on a deal, but not close enough."
Arsenal are understood to be keen to bring Nordveit to North London for the start of next month, and the player's agent Jim Solbakken insists his client is determined to join The Gunners.
"Arsenal is the only club in the running at the moment and they want him to move to London this summer," Solbakken told Haugesunds Avis. "Havard wants to join Arsenal."
Gunners target laments price
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Havard Nordtveit claims FK Haugesund are demanding too much money for him.
Arsene Wenger travelled to Norway over the weekend in an attempt to clinch the signing of the 16-year-old defender, but transfer talks collapsed.
Haugesund rejected Arsenal's offer and further negotiations will be needed if the deal is to be resurrected.
And Nordtveit feels Haugesund must be the first to compromise and lower their asking price.
"The price Haugesund want for me is way too high, it's supernaturally high," he told Haugesund avis.
Nordtveit has been linked with Manchester United in the past but Haugesund confirmed on Monday that Arsenal were the only club in the running at the moment.
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Harry Redknapp has played down rumours he wants to take Freddie Ljungberg and Lee Cook to Portsmouth.
Queens Park Rangers winger Cook has reportedly been the subject of a £2million offer by ambitious Pompey, having also been tracked by the likes of Fulham.
Cook has intimated at a move away from Loftus Road, if the club receive an offer from a Premiership club, but it appears Fratton Park will not be his destination.
"I've heard the rumours about Lee Cook, but I don't know where they've come from," Redknapp told the News.
"He's not someone I've looked at."
There have also been suggestions that Redknapp is considering an offer for Arsenal midfielder Ljungberg.
The Swede has been linked with a summer move away from Emirates Stadium, but he is not on Pompey's list of targets.
Redknapp added: "Freddie Ljungberg's a good player, but I'm looking for strikers, really."
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Thierry Henry's agent has reacted angrily to reports in France saying the Arsenal striker has agreed to join Barcelona.
Tuesday's edition of France Football claims Henry has consented to sign a three-year deal with the Spanish giants.
However, agent Jerome Anderson has dismissed the reports and is now threatening legal action.
"The story is absolute rubbish," Anderson was quoted as telling Sky Sports News.
"I can categorically state that I have never met or had discussions with anyone from Barcelona."
"The story says I met with them in the South of France. The fact is I haven't been to the South of France for years.
"I will be seeking legal advice over this story."
Henry's future has been the subject of intense speculation again in recent months despite him signing a four-year deal with The Gunners last summer.
Barcelona have made no secret of their admiration for the Frenchman, while Milan have also been linked.
However, Arsene Wenger guaranteed that his talismanic captain would not be sold last month, while Henry has assured fans previously that his future remains in London.
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Arsenal ace Thierry Henry has moved to reject reports that he has agreed a deal with Barcelona.
Reports emanating from France on Monday suggested Henry was on the verge of a move to the Spanish giants after France Football claimed the striker had agreed a three-year deal at Camp Nou.
Henry's representatives rubbished the rumours and are now considering legal action against the French magazine.
Henry, who was in France to play play in the testimonial game for Brazilian striker Sonny Anderson on Monday night, says no decision has been made on his future.
"Nothing is done. I repeat, nothing," Henry told L'Equipe.
"At this moment I am an Arsenal player and in the same situation as I was last year.
"Last season people were announcing all over the place that I was leaving. Some people wrote that it would happen for sure but at the end of the day I stayed at Arsenal. It could be the same this year.
"I've not taken any decision and my name is not up on any departures board. If something happens, I will tell everybody."
Henry also admitted he is upset at Arsenal's decision to axe former vice-chairman David Dein in April.
"David Dein's departure was a mistake," added Henry.
"I have said it before and I will say it for the next 20 years. If there was one person who had to stay at Arsenal, it was David Dein."
Meanwhile, Henry's Arsenal and France team-mate William Gallas has suggested Henry should leave the club if he is not happy.
"If certain players want to go, we should not prevent them," Gallas is quoted as saying in the Daily Star.
"I am hungry to win matches and titles. Once you reach the age of 30 the best moments come when you lift a trophy.
"I've begun playing the big brother role with the numerous young players.
"Last season, I was out injured for three months, but still did not give up. I am a warrior, and I battle all the time."
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Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood is planning to meet would-be new owner Stan Kroenke in a bid to find out more about his plans for the Gunners.
Hill-Wood is looking to meet up with the American tycoon after the Colorado Rapids owner upped his stake in Arsenal to 12.19 per cent.
It is thought the Arsenal chief and managing director Keith Edelman will look to see Kroenke next week, possibly in Iceland, although the Gunners' board have previously indicated they have no intention of selling to the American.
Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "We are hoping to meet with Kroenke and we have decided to meet on neutral ground.
"We already have a marketing arrangement with his club Colorado Rapids and he apparently has bought 50 per cent of Arsenal Broadband."
The Arsenal chairman insists he knows nothing of a rumoured takeover bid by Dubai-based Mohammed Al Hashimi.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with FK Haugesund to sign starlet Havard Nordveit, according to reports in Norway.
Arsene Wenger has been keen to tie up a deal for the 16-year-old defender and travelled to Norway earlier this week in hope of sealing his signing.
However, The Gunners had a bid in the region of £1.8million rebuffed by Haugesund, who then invited other top European clubs to table their bids.
Arsenal have now come back with an improved offer of £2million which has been accepted by the Norwegian club.
Nordveit is understood to have agreed a four-year contract at Emirates Stadium and the deal will officially go through on 2nd July.
The young stopper will travel with the rest of the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.
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Ajax starlet Ryan Babel has conceded it would be 'a dream' to play under Arsene Wenger at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are understood to be taking a keen interest in the Ajax player who is currently starring for Holland in the European Under 21 Championship.
Babel - who scored in the 2-1 win over Portugal on Wednesday - has now admitted he would leap at the chance to work with the Frenchman in North London.
"If I get the chance one day to train with Arsene Wenger it would be a dream," said Babel.
"From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything."
Babel was also linked with a move to Newcastle in January, whilst talk of Arsenal's interest was fuelled when the young forward was spotted in London visiting his good friend Robin van Persie at the turn of the year.
The 20-year-old admits he is keen to test himself in the demanding arena of the Premier League.
Babel added: "I think it's maybe the best league, it's a very high level and there is good football."
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Portuguese starlet Miguel Veloso admits he would like to follow compatriots Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to England.
The Sporting Lisbon star, who is at home in both central defence and midfield, is one of the few Portugal players to show some form in their current European Under-21 Championship.
Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger is said to be monitoring Veloso very closely, with Manchester United also thought to be well aware of the talented 21-year-old.
"I am happy with Sporting but I am young, ambitious and want to progress in my career," Veloso said.
"The exit of Nani for Manchester United has confirmed to me that there is a lot of quality in England and for any young player the Premier League is an attractive proposition."
Veloso's agent Paulo Barbosa confirmed the interest in his young charge, but he admitted Sporting have the total say-so on the player's future.
"There are some big European clubs in for the kid, but not only clubs from England but also Spain - but the subject is exclusively for Sporting," Barbosa said.
"Veloso has a deal signed until June 2013 and club is not willing to negotiate his exit."
Meanwhile, another player from the Under-21 Championship that is attracting Wenger is Dutch starlet Ryan Babel.
The Ajax striker has been attracting the interest of a number of English clubs, but Arsenal are now reportedly keen to pay £6 million - which is believed to be his release clause.
Newcastle are another Premiership team interested in Babel and the two clubs are also competing for the signature of Auxerre full-back Bakari Sagna.
Sam Allardyce is understood to be a big fan of the 24-year-old, but reports claim that Sagna would rather switch to North London.
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Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood appears to be warming to American tycoon Stan Kroenke following a meeting this week.
The Gunners board were initially cautious of the Colorado Rapids owner, whose Sports Enterprises UK group holds a 12.19 per cent holding in the club.
Kroenke has been linked with a possible takeover of Arsenal ever since the shock exit of former vice-chairman David Dein in April.
Hill-Wood has previously made it clear that Kroenke's interest was unwanted, saying 'we don't need his money and we don't want his sort'.
However, he now looks willing to work with Kroenke as Arsenal aim to compete with the big-spending Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Hill-Wood and Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman held face-to-face talks with Kroenke in New York this week and they were apparently fruitful.
"It went perfectly well," said Hill-Wood.
"I hope we will be able to work with him in the future just as we would with any interested people."
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Freddie Ljungberg insists he is fully committed to staying at Arsenal as he closes in on a decade in North London.
The Sweden captain has been linked with an exit from Emirates Stadium this summer, with West Ham and Portsmouth reportedly keen on the two-time Premiership winner.
Ljungberg has struggled to find his vintage form in the past two seasons, scoring just four goals, and it had seemed as though The Gunners' longest-serving player could be viewed as dispensable by Arsene Wenger.
However, the winger insists he is impatient to start the new season in red and white, as he looks to complete a decade of service for the club.
"This will be my 10th season with Arsenal and I cannot wait to start the season with them," Ljungberg said in The Telegraph.
"I am very much looking forward to the opening game against Fulham. It is great to start the season with a London derby."
Ljungberg's agent Claes Elefalk also underlined that the 30-year-old has no desire to leave Emirates Stadium over the summer.
Elefalk added: "For the last four or five years there have been teams knocking on the door wanting to buy Freddie. But he has no intention of leaving the club."
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Cesc Fabregas is not fazed by criticism that Arsenal were 'over-elaborate' last season.
The Gunners played some of the most attractive football in the Premier League last term, but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal.
Fabregas accepts the end product was missing from the intricate approach play, but feels that is simply Arsenal's style.
"What can I say? The only thing that's been missing this year has been the goal after so many opportunities," Fabregas told The Official Arsenal Season review 2006/07, ITV DVD.
"I don't mind people saying we over-elaborate it. We are the players, we play.
"So I know the way I like to play. I know the way all my team-mates like to play and that's what we do.
"But just the goal has been missing and it's the most important thing in football."
The Spanish midfielder also reiterated his admiration for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for retaining faith in his promise.
Fabregas added: "The best thing he's done to me is I know he had confidence in me.
"And it was just me. I had to show him I was good enough to be in the team.
"Sometimes I still had bad games and he still believed in me."
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Talented forward Ryan Babel has stated Arsenal are yet to hold talks with Ajax regarding his services.
The Gunners have been linked with a summer move for the starlet, who is currently impressing in the European Under 21 Championship.
Babel, who is good friends with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, has already admitted his admiration for experienced tactician Arsene Wenger.
Asked if Arsenal had been in touch regarding his services, Babel told Sky Sports News: "No, nothing."
The 20-year-old also reaffirmed his liking of Arsenal's style of football and the team's conduct.
"I like their style, how they conduct themselves on the field - everything," he continued.
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Auxerre vice-chairman Gerard Bourguoin believes an agreement with Arsenal for the sale of Bakari Sagna is some way off.
The full-back is looking to leave Auxerre for a fresh challenge and has set his sights on winning a switch to England ahead of next season.
Auxerre have lost a number of key players already this summer and are determined to hang onto Sagna for next season.
However, Arsenal have not given up hope of luring the 24-year-old to Emirates Stadium and have held talks with the talented stopper.
Bourguoin, though, is confident Sagna will stay an Auxerre player as they have yet to strike a deal with The Gunners.
"Sagna is still an Auxerre player," Bourguoin told L'Equipe.
"Yes Arsenal are in talks with the player but we are extremely far away from any possible agreement.
"I can even say that the probability of him leaving is less than 50 per cent."
Meanwhile, Auxerre are set to sign Marseille's Toifilou Maoulida on a three-year deal, subject to him passing a medical.
"Toifilou Maoulida will join next season if the final details and medical exams are completed," an Auxerre spokesman told the club's official website.
Ajaccio midfielder Kamel Chafni will also join Auxerre next week on a four-year deal.
Troyes starlet Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at €8million (£5.4m) by the Ligue 2 club, is another target for the Stade Abbe-Deschamps side.
Barcelona claim they have agreed a £16million fee for Thierry Henry.
Thierry Henry - Your View (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=473414)
Reports in Spain have emerged suggesting the Arsenal striker has signed a four-year deal with Barcelona.
Cadena Ser radio, the station that broke the news of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane's moves to Real Madrid, have stated that Barcelona will pay €24million (£16million) for the Arsenal forward.
The station, which quotes Barcelona officials, says Henry has already put pen-to-paper on a contract spanning until 2011.
Spanish newspapers have also reported the story, but a spokesman from Barcelona has told Sky Sports News that the deal is not yet finalised.
The spokesman claims Henry's move is 'not totally done and dusted' and has insisted that discussions are still ongoing between Arsene Wenger and his Barcelona counterparts.
Barcelona have been tracking Henry for over 12 months, despite the Frenchman signing a long-term deal with The Gunners last summer.
The Catalan giants are looking to strengthen this summer after losing out to Real Madrid in the Spanish title race.
And after Arsenal's disappointing season in the Premiership it appears Henry has made the decision to continue his career at Camp Nou.
Speculation about his future has continued to mount in recent weeks, especially since the departure of David Dein.
if the above turns out to be true wot a steal at £16 million
Barcelona-bound Thierry Henry has spoken of his reasons for quitting Arsenal for the Camp Nou - and one of them is that he could not face life at Emirates Stadium without manager Arsene Wenger.
The French striker - who is set to move to the Spanish giants in a deal reported to be worth £16million on a four-year contract - told fans in an open letter published in the Sun his reasons for moving on.
Henry admitted the departure of David Dein and the continuing uncertainty regarding Wenger's future were the main reasons for his decision to leave.
"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," wrote Henry.
"Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season.
"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein.
"This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do."
The former Monaco man is looking forward to the challenge of playing for Barcelona.
"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there," continued Henry.
"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin.
"They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club."
The Frenchman is expected to undergo a medical next Monday before signing a four-year deal at the Spanish giants.
"I still must pass a medical on Monday but yes, I have chosen Barcelona," Henry told French sports daily L'Equipe.
"I will sign there for the next four seasons.
"Nothing has been signed yet but both sides reached an agreement on Friday."
if the above turns out to be true wot a steal at £16 million
The reason why its £16m is because we're asking for a big upfront fee, meaning Barca will have to pay us £10m or so upfront. £16m is alot in Spain but its not alot for us. I have to admit that the fee for his transfer is too low but we need the money. Wenger will now go out and buy another strikers, Anelka is one of the players on his list. Henrys left becuase Wenger hasn't commited himself to Arsenal after his contract ends next season, that could mean we might see Wenger leave. I'm soo annoyed at the moment, I can't believe hes gone but he did give warnings. Last season the deal was nearly done but his wife didn't want to move to Spain, she had settled in Britain and has no intentions of leaving but this season it was a deal that was just waiting to happen unless Wenger pulled off big signings which now we know he wouldn't of done. Wenger is a man which wont be pushed into doing things. Mr Dein has a big roll in this, if he was still at Arsenal... Henry wouldn't of gone anywhere, Wenger would be buying big names and the club would be settled. Since his departure it has unsettled the whole club.
Titi is not to blame for this, I blame the board as this all goes back to the fact that they got rid of David Dein... WHY???? The heart of Arsenal, the man who was the closest to the manager and the players... the man behide Arsenals success... Peter Hill-Wood has made one of the biggest mistakes by getting rid of Mr Dein!!!! It has effected the whole club. This shows how much Dein was intouch with the club.
All I hope now is that Kroenke joins up with Dein and they together put a bid in to buy Arsenal.
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Arsenal Football Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of Thierry Henry. The deal is subject to a medical and the completion of formalities.
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Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen, Babel, Anelka, Trezeeguet are all strong contenders that could be Henrys replacement. F. Torres could be on the list if A. Madrid want Reyes, if so Wenger might go in for Torres.
Arsenal WILL sign a strikers by next week...
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Arsenal Football Club today gave Thierry Henry the opportunity to speak to Arsenal supporters about his departure from the Club. What follows is the unedited transcript of the interview. The views expressed by Thierry Henry are not necessarily representative of Arsenal Football Club or its employees.
Thierry you have left Arsenal, can you tell the supporters your reasons for going?
“I have said it so many times. Before Mr Dein left, for whatever reason, I went to the boss and said I don’t want to leave. There had been a lot of speculation about me and I assured him that I did not want to leave. But after Mr Dein left that unsettled the team and the boss. Especially as at the moment he has not committed himself to the club. He said he will see out his contract but you cannot be sure if he is going to go or stay [at the end of next season]. Hopefully he is going to stay but I need to be certain and reassured of that. Everybody knows I am 30. The boss being unsettled, Mr Dein going, it did unsettle me a bit. After that I had thoughts of leaving the club.
“It is a difficult day for me to come here at Emirates Stadium and talk about this. But I want to come here explain why to the fans. I want to be certain of where the club was going and reassured in a way. I wasn’t and I have chosen to go."
How long did the decision take and how agonising was it?
“It was a long one but nobody knew what was happening to be honest. We were hearing some stuff in the press about what happened and what did not happen so you have to make your own mind up. It was the most difficult decision of my life.
“Beating the record of Wrighty, putting it at 226, playing for Arsenal, loving the club. It was and will remain the most difficult decision of my life. I will always love the club.”
Arsène Wenger has always said ‘Arsenal will be club of my life’ because he has spent the prime of his career here. Is that true for you too?
"I don’t know if I will play eight years more or where the future is so yes. I had a special relationship with the fans with the boss, Mr Dein and everybody who was attached to Arsenal. Arsenal will always be in my heart, my blood, my head. Everybody will. The press office, the chef, the girls at the training ground, the guys who made the pitch perfect at the training ground and at Emirates, the guys at stadium who help us perform at our best. I will miss everybody. The Arsenal fans who told me to step up my game or to carry on. It will be huge miss for me. I will take everybody in my head and my heart. Everybody who I trained with a worked with. Especially the boss and Mr Dein and the Arsenal fans who have been more than tremendous to me. It was unreal at times.
“I looked the schedule and already know when we, I mean you, are playing against Tottenham. I did it as a reflex. When fixtures came out I looked for Tottenham and I know it is pretty early on. When they play I will be watching and trying to be the first to know the result even though I know the fans will beat me. It is really special coming here [to Emirates Stadium] to talk about it. I will always have Arsenal in my blood I know some people will never accept the decision I just want to say to the fans that I always gave 100 per cent. Even the last year when I was injured I tried to perform. It was not the 30 goals you were used to but it was 17 games in the League and scored 10 so that was not a bad ratio. It was all about the heart and the commitment to win for Arsenal. I always, always, always, always gave 100 per cent.”
Let’s look back, what was your best goal?
“They were all amazing for me. I think I scored some good goals at Highbury and away but the one that stands out was my second against Liverpool when we went unbeaten in the League. I never heard Highbury going crazy like that. I thought the place was going to collapse and you could tell by my celebration that it was the right time and place to score that goal. I went a bit mental. The place was just too loud. Scoring goals for Arsenal gave me goosebumps but that was a stand-out goal and kept us in the title race. We stayed there until the end.”
Your best moment?
“I would say winning the League unbeaten but one that would top that is my last goal at Highbury when I kissed the ground. It was a special moment for me. But as well this particular day is one of the saddest of my career, leaving Highbury. I can’t say it was the best moment but it was a particular moment. I am still shaking talking about it now.”
The best Arsenal side you have played in?
“Difficult to say, some people came here and did not win anything but that does not mean they were not great players. If I go with the team that stayed unbeaten then that means I have to leave out David Seaman and a load of other players. But in terms of the results then staying unbeaten is something rather amazing. But then with the guys before, we had won the Double. Every time I wore an Arsenal shirt it was just amazing. When I stepped on that pitch even where I was not performing well whoever was playing with me at the time was the right guy for me."
As for the fans was there any moment that sums them up?
“I would say when we lost the Champions League Final against Barcelona in Paris. They all stayed afterwards and clapped us. That was a very special moment for the team. It is easy to stay there and cheer when you win but it is hard to clap your guys when you have just lost one of the titles you were waiting for.
“But as well I would say the first time I arrived here and people were giving me stick. The fans were always behind me and cool with me. I could go through whole eight years, it was crazy. I have had a really special relationship with them.”
How has Thierry Henry and Arsenal changed in the last eight years?
“I would like to think that when people talk about Arsenal they see the Boss has brought the ‘Arsenal touch’ and the ‘Arsenal way’, and I’m truly proud of being one of those guys to have helped play the way we have been. And I am sure it will carry on, because Arsenal was playing like that before me and they will be playing like that after me.
“Arsenal is a club that is now well known throughout Europe and that’s all down to the Boss. Also, the fans, they are never in trouble with fighting or disrespectful to other fans. The Arsenal fans have always made us proud.
“From a personal point of view, at Arsenal I have really become a man. This is thanks to the Boss, thanks to all the players, thanks to all the facilities at the Club and as I said before, thanks to all the people who made my life easier here, they have made me a man.”
Turning to the future of the Club, if you read the media at the moment it’s 'crisis at Arsenal' and 'the walls of Emirates Stadium are coming down'. Surely that’s not true, the players and the set-up are far too good?
“The set-up and the facilities are far too good and we still have a lot of the main people who are staying. As I have said so many times, the team here is growing and there is some amazing talent here and I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine. Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that’s the way it is.
“When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn’t agree with it, everyone started saying ‘who needs Patrick Vieira?’ For me the guys we have here are amazing, but you always need Patrick Vieira.
“I don’t believe what everybody is saying about the Club collapsing, having a lack of players and everyone leaving. I think it is untrue. Cesc Fabregas is a world class player, Robin van Persie is a world class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world class player, Jens Lehmann is a world class player, Toure and Gallas are world class players. You can go through the whole squad like that.
“As I said to you, I will now become now an Arsenal fan and will be looking at every result and I’m sure the team will be successful.”
How did you tell the Boss you wanted to go?
“To be honest, I have a great relationship with the Boss. I’ve told you the reasons why I wanted to go and I told him exactly the same reasons. That’s how it is, I talked to the Boss about private stuff and non-private stuff. A bit of everything.
“But as I said to you, today is a very sad day for me. Whatever people are going to talk or read or see into it, it is a very sad for me.
“One thing that I forgot to say earlier was about the pride to play for the shirt and the team. In France we don’t have that. When I was young I used to support Bordeaux, but when they lost I went to support Marseille. But here you really learn the importance and the value of the shirt and the club. Arsenal is like that, an English family.
“Although I have had disagreements with the press over here, they have been tremendous to me, keeping me on my toes. But everyone has been great, the fans, playing away, getting booed, getting cheered, getting standing ovations. I will always, always remember that. And Arsenal gave me that, the way we were playing, getting standing ovations from away fans was just out of this world. It’s hard to understand because in France they are just not like that. If you play well at home [in France] you get a standing ovation, if you play well away from home, well, you play well away from home, that’s it.
“Getting a standing ovation away from home with Arsenal is something I will never forget, because you know a lot of people are really appreciating what you are doing as a team and it’s outstanding.
“As I have said before, I just want to thank everyone at the Club, the girls who work at the training ground, the girls who wash the kits, the masseurs, the staff at the Club, the staff at the stadium, the staff who work on the pitch at the stadium, the staff who work on the pitches at the training ground, the press office, the coach driver, everybody. Everybody here, I would just like to thank everybody here.
“Also to all the teams I have played against here, all the battles I have had against the players here, some of the fans away, the press and the refs, it’s been a great time. Everyone has just made it special and I would just like to thank everybody, but especially to all the people involved at Arsenal.
“It’s important to me to come to the Club today and say something properly because the fans have given me so much and I hope I gave a lot back to them. I want to keep my box here and I want to come back and watch some games, if they let me in! But it’s been a very weird day.”
Arsène Wenger has said he will stay on at least until his contract finishes next summer. We hope he stays on. If he does would you regret your decision?
“I don’t regret what I do. Playing for Arsenal was an honour for me. And I will say that until the day I die. When Patrick Vieira left the team had to move on and we came close to winning the Champions League. But this type of guy we were already missing.
“Not having Arsène around anymore — and everybody at the Club — will be ‘missing’ for me. It is a fact but it won’t be a regret. When Patrick left, I was devastated I missed the guy and I still miss the guy even though I see him with the national team. But I was devastated because he was a good guy to be around on the pitch or off the pitch. It goes beyond sport. That is why I won’t go with the regret word but more ‘missing’.
If you left Arsenal was it always going to be Barcelona. Is there some thing special about them?
“There is something special here at Arsenal too. I left Arsenal to go to Barcelona because, no disrespect to any other team, but there are only two teams in the world who play football the way I like it. That is the way the people here like it — the Arsenal way. That is how we play football here and ‘we’ play football there. If I can say that is one of the is the main reasons for Barcelona. The football they play is attractive to watch.”
Finally, your last Arsenal.com question as a Arsenal player, do you have a message for the fans?
“Well, I would to say you have been tremendous for me I really do appreciate it. I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you. I will have you in my head and my heart. I wanted to reassure you that I always gave 100 per cent here. I know some people said some other stuff but I always gave 100 per cent. I hope you appreciate what I did here because I appreciate what you did for me. I grew as a man and became a better football player. I will always take that with me no matter what happens.
“Arsenal will be in my blood aswell as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys. I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner. The Club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever.”
aww from va va voom
to
TA TA voom
hehe
Titi leaving may do us a favour, it may not. Sometimes these things work out for the best... But hes still our Legend... hes still gonna be a legend in the EPL. No other manager in the English Prem has ever had a striker like Henry in their squad.
I'm annoyed as said before about this but good things may come from this.
I hope the board now wake up and see what they have done by getting rid of David Dein. And Wenger now knows the team want experience, Henry has shown his fustration. Arsenes been a man of the youngsters, he'll build a squad he wont buy a squad but sometimes you need to buy 1 or 2 players to boost your squad.
Now Henry has left, Wenger will now have to bring in a striker. Anelka is one player which I think we'll sign.
Reading these reports are doing my heading, if you look back at what hes done and what hes capable of no team would ever let him go.
As I said before, The board is partly to blame for this and I hope they realise that!!!
I aint the happies Gooner at the moment but I wish him the best of luck in his life. Its the least us Gunners can do after his fantastic Arsenal career.
Thierry Henry.... An Arsenal Legend!
im glad your one of those who appreciates what the fella has done for the club
no doubt atons of fans will forget all of Henrys magical arsenal moments and his ahievements and will call him disloyal and jeer him every time he plays against arsenal!
He is an arsenal legend in every right !
also at the same time
A world footballing legend aswell
Thierry Henry has bid an emotional final adieu to Arsenal fans, with the Barcelona-bound striker hoping that whilst supporters may not accept his decision to leave, they must at least recognise his unstinting efforts in North London.
The French international is expected to complete a £16million move to Camp Nou (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=473441&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=Gunners+confirm+Henry+move) in the coming hours, but before jetting off to Spain to agree personal terms and complete a medical, Arsenal's record goalscorer made one last address to the supporters that have idolised him over the past eight years.
Insisting he will remain a 'Gunner for life', Henry thanked Arsenal's fans for their support and underlined that he always gave his best for the club before deciding to continue his career in La Liga.
"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys," Henry told the club's official website.
"I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner. The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever.
"I had a special relationship with the fans, with the boss, Mr Dein and everybody who was attached to Arsenal. Arsenal will always be in my heart, my blood, my head.
"Everybody will. The press office, the chef, the girls at the training ground, the guys who made the pitch perfect at the training ground and at Emirates, the guys at the stadium who help us perform at our best. I will miss everybody."
Henry leaves Arsenal having scored a record 226 goals, as well as winning two Premiership titles, three FA Cups and numerous individual awards during a glittering career in North London.
Widely regarded as one of the finest foreign players to ever grace English football, Henry hopes Arsenal fans can see through their disappointment and appreciate his efforts for the club.
Henry continued: "It is really special coming here [the Emirates Stadium] to talk about it. I will always have Arsenal in my blood.
"I know some people will never accept the decision. I just want to say to the fans that I always gave 100 per cent. Even the last year when I was injured I tried to perform.
"It was not the 30 goals you were used to but it was 17 games in the League and scored 10 so that was not a bad ratio.
"It was all about the heart and the commitment to win for Arsenal. I always, always, always, always gave 100 per cent.
"I would like to say you have been tremendous for me and I really do appreciate it. I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you."
Thierry: Arsenal won't implode (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=473567&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=THIERRY:+ARSENAL+WON%27T+IMPLODE&channel=football_home&)
im glad your one of those who appreciates what the fella has done for the club
no doubt atons of fans will forget all of Henrys magical arsenal moments and his ahievements and will call him disloyal and jeer him every time he plays against arsenal!
He is an arsenal legend in every right !
also at the same time
A world footballing legend aswell
Many Arsenal fans were so annoyed that they forgot about what hes done for the club. In my eyes he has every right to leave the club... yes we would of loved for him to retire at The Arsenal but its time for him to move on and its time for Wenger to step up. One of the main reasons behide his departure is the fact the Wenger hasn't commited himself to The Gunners yet... he needs to sign another contract to atleast calm things down. Many players at Arsenal are unsettled at the moment.
I have to admit when I heard about this I was angry, annoyed... upset as hes not just one of the best players in the world but hes a good person aswell. Watching and reading his comments shows that he loves Arsenal by heart but he left because the club was unsettled since Mr Dein got kicked out and Wenger not signing another contract...
I hope one day that Dein comes back, I hope that Wenger will sign another contract and I hope for once we'll sign atleast ONE big player!
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Spain/Barcelona/henry.jpg
Thierry Henry has arrived in Barcelona in order to finalise his transfer from Arsenal to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona have had a £16million offer accepted for the Emirates Stadium favourite and, are all set to complete the summer's most high-profile transfer.
Henry is to undergo a routine medical on Monday and if, as expected, there are no complications, then he will be presented to the media and supporters alike.
The 29-year-old Frenchman arrived in Barcelona on Sunday evening on a private jet and was welcomed at the airport by club officials.
Henry's departure has been greeted in North London with a mixture of disappointed and frustration on the part of the Arsenal supporters but on Monday, in front of the Barcelona faithful, his appearance is likely to be greeted with fevered excitement.
---------------------------------
Wenger is going to comment on this tomorrow... hopefully he'll sign someone
Former Arsenal midfielder to be director of football Strong hints of manager committing to 2011
Matt Scott
Monday June 25, 2007
The Guardian
Gilles Grimandi is expected to become Arsenal's director of football this week as Arsène Wenger moves on from the turbulence of the past three months.
The former Arsenal midfielder's appointment is believed to have been a key topic at the board meeting four days ago during which the £16m sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona was approved. Grimandi, who has been the Gunners' scout in France after retiring as a player, will take on the player-recruitment duties previously performed by David Dein. The Bolton Wanderers and former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka is believed to head the list of summer targets.
The appointment of the 36-year-old Grimandi would provide Wenger with a key strategic ally and introduce fresh football expertise into a boardroom that has lacked such experience since Dein's departure as vice-chairman in April. It is not thought to be the only announcement due from Arsenal this week, with clarification of Wenger's position also expected.
After Henry used Arsenal's official website on Saturday to reiterate his feeling that Wenger's commitment to the Emirates Stadium was uncertain the club will not permit the drift to persist. There are strong hints of an announcement that the Arsenal manager has signed a £15m-plus, three-year contract extension that would tie him to north London until 2011.
It could be said Wenger has never had it so good. Much has been made of supposed restrictions on his budgets inflicted by the £400m Emirates Stadium construction but in reality the Gunners are wealthier than ever.
Even after debts - £262m at the last count - the stadium generates about £20m more net income than Highbury did. Although interest-rate hikes have affected repayments on a £50m floating-rate bond, the £210m in 5.69% fixed-rate borrowings are beginning to look very good value. There is also the 50% increase in television income that is being spread across the Premiership, giving Wenger a bigger-than-ever transfer kitty.
The Arsenal manager's head for figures - he has a masters degree in economics from Strasbourg University - means he is given a budget from which to apportion transfer fees and wages as he sees fit and there are important calculations ahead as he and Grimandi turn their attention to replacing Henry.
Grimandi was one of Wenger's first signings at Arsenal, joining from the manager's former club Monaco in June 1997 for £2.5m. He left Highbury in 2002 for a very brief spell at the Colorado Rapids before returning to France. Grimandi played 84 matches for Arsenal in midfield, right-back and centre-half and won the Double in 1998 and again in 2002.
There are a number of possibilities in the search for strikers, with compelling reports in France suggesting Anelka will return as the Gunners' No9 in an £11m move from Bolton, who would be expected in turn to enlist Djibril Cissé for £7m from Liverpool.
With Henry's £6m-a-year salary no longer burdening Wenger's budget, £2m raised from Jérémie Aliadière's move to Middlesbrough and £8m to be generated by the expected sale of José Antonio Reyes to one of three interested clubs in Spain, the Arsenal manager has the means to recruit two strikers and a left midfielder. In the latter position the Ajax and Holland international Ryan Babel's name has been raised along with that of Lyon's France international Florent Malouda.
Nicklas Bendtner will replace Aliadière in a reserve-team and Carling Cup role after a loan spell at Birmingham City but, even if Arsenal land Anelka after the striker's return from honeymoon, there will be another vacancy up front. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, another young Ajax forward, Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen have been linked with Arsenal.
The Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva will inherit the captain's armband from Henry and there may be a few private sighs of relief in the Arsenal dressing room that the Frenchman has left. Some within the club felt Henry had become a destabilising figure in the self-regarding final months of his eight-year stay and the team might find his departure liberating.
Many perceive Henry's complaints about the departure of Dein as an excuse that does not bear scrutiny. The former vice-chairman has not been seen at the Emirates Stadium since departing the club in April after a boardroom wrangle but it is thought a route back will open up for him before the end of next season.
That would be possible if the billionaire American Stan Kroenke steps up his purchase plans, which is expected once capital-gains-tax liability of the largest single shareholder, Danny Fiszman, is reduced. Fiszman is shifting his assets to Switzerland and would make at least £100m from the sale of his 24.11% holding in the club to Kroenke.
Despite the so-called "lock-down agreement" limiting share sales, insiders suggest this will happen in the next 12 months, with Dein's return then a real possibility. The club Grimandi is joining are not as unstable as Henry made out.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2110470,00.html
----------------------------------------------------
Great report if its true. Wenger committing plus 3 new faces.... I'm looking forward to it :)
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Live/henry_barcakit.jpg
Thierry Henry has completed his sensational move to Barcelona from Arsenal after passing a medical.
The Frenchman has signed a four-year deal at Camp Nou after Arsenal accepted a £16.1million fee for Henry over the weekend.
Henry underwent a stringent medical in Barcelona on Monday and the formalities of the move have been sealed.
The former Monaco man was presented to the media on Monday afternoon and he officially signed his contract in front of the assembled media.
Henry is Barcelona's first signing of the summer as they look to build a side capable of reclaiming their La Liga title from Real Madrid next season.
It has been confirmed that the release clause in Henry's contract with Barcelona is €125million (£84.2million.)
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Premiership/WestHam/tevez_tongue.jpg
Carlos Tevez admits he is 'excited' by the possibility of interest from Arsenal.
The striker is considering his future, with West Ham United hoping to hang on to the Argentine after his influential end to last season.
He has been linked with Real Madrid and Internazionale, and has also suggested he is looking to join a big club over the summer.
Rumours have now claimed that Arsenal could move for Tevez following the departure of captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
Tevez, who is on Copa America duty with Argentina, concedes he would relish the chance of a move to Emirates Stadium as he is keen to stay in the Premier League.
"I know people are now talking about Arsenal and obviously that is something I am excited about," said Tevez in the Sun.
"It's another big club and the good thing is I wouldn't have to move out of London.
"I also already know English football and I like it.
"Arsenal's style is more technical than physical, so I could fit in no problem.
"My transfer is being talked about a lot. It's beautiful to be wanted by various clubs."
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Interesting, but Wenger wont go out and spend so much money unless hes really interested.
I think we'll sign atleast one player before pre-season... hopefully
http://www.arsenal.com/images/pics/report/boro03022007_5.jpg
Below is a comprehensive list of Thierry Henry's goals for Arsenal since he opened his account at The Dell against Southampton back in 1999.
The French striker scored some vital goals, some good goals and some absolutely unstoppable goals. Read on for Henry's complete collection of Arsenal strikes...
2006/07 [Season Total: 12]
Feb 3 2007 P v Middlesbrough 1-1 (1 goal)
Jan 21 2007 P v Manchester United 2-1 (1)
Jan 13 2007 P v Blackburn Rovers 2-0 (1)
Jan 6 2007 FAC v Liverpool 3-1 (1)
Jan 2 2007 P v Charlton Athletic 4-0 (1)
Nov 18 2006 P v Newcastle United 1-1 (1)
Oct 22 2006 P v Reading 4-0 (2)
Oct 14 2006 P v Watford 3-0 (1)
Sep 26 2006 CL v Porto 2-0 (1)
Sep 23 2006 P v Sheffield United 3-0 (1)
Sep 9 2006 P v Middlesbrough 1-1 (1)
2005/06 [33]
May 7 2006 P v Wigan Athletic 4-2 (3)
May 1 2006 P v Sunderland 3-0 (1)
Apr 22 2006 P v Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 (1)
Apr 12 2006 P v Portsmouth 1-1 (1)
Apr 1 2006 P v Aston Villa 5-0 (2)
Mar 28 2006 CL v Juventus 2-0 (1)
Mar 12 2006 P v Liverpool 2-1 (2)
Mar 4 2006 P v Fulham 4-0 (2)
Feb 21 2006 CL v Real Madrid 1-0 (1)
Feb 4 2006 P v Birmingham City 2-0 (1)
Feb 1 2006 P v West Ham United 2-3 (1)
Jan 24 2006 LC v Wigan Athletic 2-1 (1)
Jan 14 2006 v Middlesbrough 7-0 (3)
Dec 28 2005 P v Portsmouth 4-0 (2)
Nov 26 2005 P v Blackburn Rovers 3-0 (1)
Nov 19 2005 P v Wigan Athletic 3-2 (2)
Nov 5 2005 P v Sunderland 3-1 (2)
Nov 2 2005 CL v Sparta Prague 3-0 (1)
Oct 18 2005 CL v Sparta Prague 2-0 (2 - surpassed Ian Wright's all-time scoring record)
Aug 24 2005 P v Fulham 4-1 (2)
Aug 14 2005 P v Newcastle United 2-0 (1)
2004/05 [30]
Apr 2 2005 P v Norwich City 4-1 (3)
Mar 9 2005 CL v Bayern Munich 1-0 (1)
Mar 5 2005 P v Portsmouth 3-0 (3)
Feb 14 2005 P v Crystal Palace 5-1 (2)
Feb 7 2005 P v Aston Villa 3-1 (1)
Dec 26 2004 P v Fulham 2-0 (1)
Dec 12 2004 P v Chelsea 2-2 (2)
Dec 7 2004 CL v Rosenborg 5-1 (1)
Dec 4 2004 P v Birmingham City 3-0 (2)
Nov 24 2004 CL v PSV Eindhoven 1-1 (1)
Nov 13 2004 P v Tottenham Hotspur 5-4 (1)
Nov 6 2004 P v Crystal Palace 1-1 (1)
Nov 2 2004 CL v Panathinaikos 1-1 (1)
Oct 30 2004 P v Southampton 2-2 (1)
Oct 20 2004 CL v Panathinaikos 2-2 (1)
Oct 16 2004 P v Aston Villa 3-1 (1)
Oct 2 2004 P v Charlton Athletic 4-0 (2)
Sept 18 2004 P v Bolton Wanderers 2-2 (1)
Aug 28 2004 P v Norwich City 4-1 (1)
Aug 25 2004 P v Blackburn Rovers 3-0 (1)
Aug 22 2004 P v Middlesbrough 5-3 (2)
2003/04 [39]
May 15 2004 P v Leicester City 2-1 (1)
Apr 16 2004 P v Leeds United 5-0 (4)
Apr 9 2004 P v Liverpool 4-2 (3)
Mar 28 2004 P v Manchester United 1-1 (1)
Mar 13 2004 P v Blackburn Rovers 2-0 (1)
Mar 10 2004 CL v Celta Vigo 2-0 (2)
Mar 6 2004 FAC v Portsmouth 5-1 (2)
Feb 28 2004 P v Charlton Athletic 2-1 (1)
Feb 10 2004 P v Southampton 2-0 (2)
Feb 7 2004 P v Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 (1)
Feb 1 2004 P v Manchester City 2-1 (1)
Jan 18 2004 P v Aston Villa 2-0 (2)
Jan 10 2004 P v Middlesbrough 4-1 (1)
Jan 4 2004 FAC v Leeds United 4-1 (1)
Dec 26 2003 P v Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 (2)
Nov 25 2003 CL v Inter Milan 5-1 (2)
Nov 1 2003 P v Leeds United 4-1 (2)
Oct 26 2003 P v Charlton Athletic 1-1 (1)
Oct 21 2003 CL v Dynamo Kiev 1-2 (1)
Oct 18 2003 P v Chelsea 2-1 (1)
Sept 26 2003 P v Newcastle United 3-2 (2)
Sept 13 2003 P v Portsmouth 1-1 (1)
Aug 27 2003 P v Aston Villa 2-0 (1)
Aug 24 2003 P v Middlesbrough 4-0 (1)
Aug 16 2003 P v Everton 2-1 (1)
Aug 10 2003 CS v Manchester United 1-1 (1)
2002/03 [32]
May 11 2003 P v Sunderland 4-0 (1)
May 4 2003 P v Leeds United 2-3 (1)
Apr 19 2003 P v Middlesbrough 2-0 (1)
Apr 16 2003 P v Manchester United 2-2 (2)
Mar 19 2003 CL v Valencia 1-2 (1)
Mar 8 2003 FAC v Chelsea 2-2 (1)
Feb 22 2003 P v Manchester City 5-1 (1)
Feb 9 2003 P v Newcastle United 1-1 (1)
Jan 19 2003 P v West Ham United 3-1 (3)
Jan 12 2003 P v Birmingham City 4-0 (2)
Jan 1 2003 P v Chelsea 3-2 (1)
Dec 29 2002 P v Liverpool 1-1 (1)
Dec 26 2002 P v West Brom 2-1 (1)
Nov 30 2002 P v Aston Villa 3-1 (2)
Nov 27 2002 CL v Roma 3-1 (3)
Nov 16 2002 P v Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 (1)
Oct 30 2002 CL v Borussia Dortmund 1-2 (1)
Sep 28 2002 P v Leeds United 4-1 (1)
Sep 25 2002 CL v PSV Eindhoven 4-0 (2)
Sep 21 2002 P v Bolton Wanderers 2-1 (1)
Sep 14 2002 P v Charlton Athletic 3-0 (1)
Sep 10 2002 P v Manchester City 2-1 (1)
Aug 24 2002 P v West Ham United 2-2 (1)
Aug 18 2002 P v Birmingham City 2-0 (1)
2001/02 [32]
May 11 2002 P v Everton 4-3 (2)
Apr 1 2002 P v Charlton Athletic 3-0 (2)
Feb 27 2002 CL v Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 (1)
Feb 23 2002 P v Fulham 4-1 (2)
Jan 30 2002 P v Blackburn 3-2 (1)
Jan 23 2002 P v Leicester City 3-1 (1)
Jan 5 2002 FAC v Watford 4-2 (1)
Dec 23 2001 P v Liverpool 2-1 (1)
Dec 9 2001 P v Aston Villa 3-2 (2)
Dec 4 2001 CL v Juventus 3-1 (1)
Dec 1 2001 P v Ipswich Town 2-0 (1)
Nov 25 2001 P v Manchester United 3-1 (2)
Nov 4 2001 P v Charlton Athletic 2-4 (2)
Oct 24 2001 CL v Mallorca 3-1 (1)
Oct 20 2001 P v Blackburn Rovers 3-3 (1)
Oct 16 2001 CL v Panathinaikos 2-1 (2)
Oct 13 2001 P v Southampton 2-0 (1)
Sep 29 2001 P v Derby County 2-0 (2)
Sep 19 2001 CL v Schalke 3-2 (2)
Sep 15 2001 P v Fulham 3-1 (1)
Sep 8 2001 P v Chelsea 1-1 (1)
Aug 25 2001 P v Leicester City 4-0 (1)
Aug 18 2001 P v Middlesbrough 4-0 (1)
2000/2001 [22]
Apr 21 2001 P v Everton 4-1 (1)
Apr 4 2001 CL v Valencia 2-1 (1)
Mar 31 2001 P v Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 (1)
Mar 6 2001 CL v Spartak Moscow 1-0 (1)
Feb 25 2001 P v Manchester United 1-6 (1)
Feb 18 2001 FAC v Chelsea 3-1 (1)
Feb 13 2001 CL v Lyon 1-0 (1)
Feb 10 2001 P v Ipswich Town 1-0 (1)
Dec 26 2000 P v Leicester City 6-1 (3)
Dec 9 2000 P v Newcastle United 5-0 (1)
Dec 5 2000 CL v Bayern Munich 2-2 (1)
Nov 4 2000 P v Middlesbrough 1-0 (1)
Oct 28 2000 P v Manchester City 5-0 (2)
Oct 14 2000 P v Aston Villa 1-0 (1)
Oct 1 2000 P v Manchester United 1-0 (1)
Sep 6 2000 P v Chelsea 2-2 (1)
Aug 26 2000 P v Charlton Athletic 5-3 (2)
Aug 21 2000 P v Liverpool 2-0 (1)
1999/2000 [26]
May 9 2000 P v Sheffield Wednesday 3-3 (1)
May 6 2000 P v Chelsea 2-1 (2)
Apr 23 2000 P v Watford 3-2 (2)
Apr 20 2000 UEFA v Lens 2-1 (1)
Apr 16 2000 P v Leeds United 4-0 (1)
Apr 1 2000 P v Wimbledon 3-1 (1)
Mar 26 2000 P v Coventry City 3-0 (1)
Mar 23 2000 UEFA v Werder Bremen 4-2 (1)
Mar 19 2000 P v Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 (1)
Mar 16 2000 UEFA v Werder Bremen 2-0 (1)
Mar 9 2000 UEFA v Deportivo La Coruna 1-2 (1)
Mar 2 2000 UEFA v Deportivo La Coruna 5-1 (2)
Feb 5 2000 P v Bradford City 1-2 (1)
Jan 15 2000 P v Sunderland 4-1 (2)
Dec 28 1999 P v Leeds United 2-0 (1)
Dec 18 1999 P v Wimbledon 1-1 (1)
Dec 9 1999 UEFA v Nantes 3-3 (1)
Nov 30 1999 LC v Middlesbrough 2-2 (1)
Nov 28 1999 P v Derby County 2-1 (2)
Sep 22 1999 CL v AIK Solna 3-1 (1)
Sep 18 1999 P v Southampton 1-0 (1)
Key:
P - Premiership
CL - Champions League
FAC - FA Cup
LC - League Cup
UEFA - UEFA Cup
http://www.arsenal.com/Images/h/henry_0607ball.jpg
Thierry Henry agreed his move to Barcelona on Monday afternoon. Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke gives his personal reflections on the French striker’s emotional farewell over the weekend
As someone who has written more words in tribute to Thierry Henry than probably anyone else, it is difficult to sum it all up for one final time. Arsenal.com has waxed lyrical perennially in our Player of the Season award and, in October 2005, all prayed at the altar of Henry 186 when he broke the Club’s goal-scoring record.
It goes without saying Thierry is one of the finest players to wear an Arsenal shirt. He arrived as perhaps an ‘ugly duckling’; out of favour for France and Juventus. But he became the most elegant swan under Wenger’s protective wing.
Goal-scorer, penalty-taker, captain, talisman, assist-maker, free-kick taker, corner taker — those were his responsibilities.
Speed, strength, accuracy, precision, technique, mental tenacity — those were has qualities.
Charismatic, emotional, enigmatic, talkative, open — that was his character.
Henry’s departure has drawn emotional responses from everyone. The transfer of a figurehead player with such talent and charisma will always bring out an extreme reaction.
For yours truly there was no time for anything like that. In the wake of his announcement, Thierry had asked to have a final interview with the Club’s website. He wanted to communicate his thoughts and thanks directly to the fans.
So after a frantic Saturday morning, by lunchtime we had set up a shoot at Emirates Stadium and waited for Henry to arrive. His newspaper column that day had confirmed the sale and outlined his reasons for leaving. Our job was to expand on that then consider and celebrate his Arsenal career.
The transcription on Arsenal.com on Saturday evening reflects what was said — verbatim. To prove it just look at the video on TV Online and you’ll see the words from the horse’s mouth. You could see it was emotional for him but that was brought home by the last question when I asked him to give a final direct message to the fans. To my surprise, he turned straight to the camera, looked down the lens and? well? you can read what he said.
There will always be criticism of a world-class player leaving one top club for another when he still has something to give. However, if you had been in the room, then you would have absolute no doubt in Thierry’s sincerity.
‘Sympathy’ is the wrong word for a highly-paid footballer making this kind of move. He was leaving after all. However it is obvious it was not done without the deepest of consideration. Thierry had asked for the interview and driven to the stadium on his own because he wanted to say his piece and, just perhaps, make his peace.
As ever, Thierry’s phone had been ringing intermittently during his time with us. Today everyone wanted a piece of him. But, instead, at the end of the interview he chose to stay and talk to us. As affable as Thierry was, that was not normal. But then it was perhaps the most abnormal day of his Arsenal career.
We chewed the fat over any number of issues for a couple of hours. Anyone who has interviewed Thierry Henry knows that when he has something on his mind he will tell you about it. The conversation finally drew to a close, he hugged everyone in the room and left Emirates Stadium for the last time as an Arsenal player.
Undoubtedly the Highbury/Emirates crowd has seen the best years of Thierry Henry’s career. And, despite the harbingers of doom that always attach themselves to news such as this, there is no reason to suspect the Club will not prosper next season. As Henry admitted, his influence last term was relatively small.
Life, football and this Club will go on just fine without Thierry Henry. But just as he meant a lot to every Arsenal supporter, his interview on Saturday confirmed — to this observer at least - that every Arsenal supporter meant a lot to him as well.
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Bakari Sagna has pleaded with Auxerre not to deny him a move to Arsenal.
The full-back has emerged as a target for the Premier League club, although Auxerre insist the chances of Sagna leaving are less than 50 per cent.
However, the defender is hoping to link up with Arsene Wenger's side and has urged his current club to pave the way for his departure.
"I don't know how I will react," Sagna told the French media about what would happen if Auxerre did not agree to his exit.
"I always worked my hardest to receive such offers. Now that I have these opportunities, I especially do not want to miss them.
"The foreign experience does not frighten me. I am ready to make the great jump."
Sagna has insisted he has not held talks with The Gunners, but revealed he has spoken to Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby about life at Emirates Stadium.
He added: "It is a club I like enormously. I had the chance to discuss it with Abou Diaby at a gathering of the French squad.
"He said to me that he liked it a lot and that, if I came, it would enable me to become better.
"For me, it would be a really exciting challenge. Arsenal has a promising team, which plays good football.
"It is not for nothing that they are one of the best English and European clubs."
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Ajax star Ryan Babel believes his move to Arsenal will not happen this summer.
The forward has long been linked with a move to North London and his sterling performances in Holland's Under 21 Championship triumph saw him put forward as a possible replacement for Thierry Henry.
Babel has never attempted to hide his desire to join Arsene Wenger at Emirates Stadium and the 20-year-old believes he will join The Gunners at some point in his career.
However, his move to England will not come before the end of August, according to the player himself.
"There were reports about Arsenal on the internet, but so far they are nothing more than rumours," he told www.highlow.nl.
"Nothing concrete has happened. Next season I definitely play at Ajax.
"There will be a time that I will play at Arsenal. But there is nothing at the moment."
tough season ahead for arsenal now,teams used to be frightened when henry was playing,now i think teams will look forward to playing them now
tough season ahead for arsenal now,teams used to be frightened when henry was playing,now i think teams will look forward to playing them now
Hopefully we'll sign atleast 3 players, 2 of them being strikers or AM's. Wenger now needs to step up and do something. I think Wenger must be up to something or he wouldn't of let Henry go.
Us Gunners have to just wait and see what Mr Wenger does :pray: :pray: :pray:
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Chairman Peter Hill-Wood says he is hopeful Arsene Wenger will extend his stay at Arsenal despite Thierry Henry's decision to join Barcelona.
Henry claims that uncertainty surrounding Wenger's future and David Dein's departure prompted his decision to quit Emirates Stadium.
The French coach has a year left on his current contract and continues to be linked with a move away from North London.
But Hill-Wood says he wants Wenger to sign a new deal with the Gunners and has left the ball firmly in his manager's court.
"I am not particularly worried about what Thierry said but whether it really influenced his decision or not we will have to wait and see," Hill-Wood told the Daily Telegraph.
"We certainly don't think Thierry Henry going and Arsene Wenger's contract situation are in any way linked. That was just an excuse.
"I am really hopeful he (Wenger) will extend but at this moment I am only in a position of hoping.
"I've no reason to think that he won't but at the same time I have no reason to believe he will say yes. Certainly we would like to see him sign a new contract - we have made no secret about that.
"But we have not talked any details about anything with him or the board. We will wait and see what he wants to do. Then we can sit down and discuss things if he is positive about it. I am very relaxed. We are in good shape."
Hill-Wood also admitted Arsenal 'would like to find another player or two' following Henry's departure.
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Cesc Fabregas is Arsenal.com’s Player of the Year. The young midfielder took over 60 per cent of the votes cast in our online poll. Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke assesses his campaign in 2006-07.
There really was not too much doubt was there? Cesc Fabregas was the outstanding player for Arsenal last season and not surprisingly the Spaniard scooped nearly two-thirds of your votes. He heartily deserves this award.
Fabregas turned 20 a fortnight before the end of the season and yet he still has 153 games under his belt as an Arsenal player. If, as expected, he honours that eight-year contract he signed in October last year then, at the end of it, he could be starting to think about chasing David O’Leary’s appearance record of 722.
The excellence of Fabregas over the course of the past season is seen more clearly because, not despite, his lack of goals. More than ever, the modern media hang their coverage on scorers. How many times the striker hog the headlines merely because he had hit the winner?
In midfield positions, goals are even more important in determining the way your performance is perceived. For example, do you think David Beckham’s finest hour — the game against Greece in 2002 — would have been portrayed that heroically had he not curled in a last-gasp free-kick. Fabregas actually suffered a goal-drought between August and April last season. However he still caught the eye and that PFA Young Player nomination suggested word had got around that the teenager had become a man.
The best demonstration was at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup Semi-Final. Arsenal’s inexperienced side had been bruised and battered in the first 20 minutes. They trailed 2-0 and a drubbing was on the horizon.
However, midway through the half, Fabregas took control. His ability to seize the tempo of a game is becoming more and more noticeable these days. But to do it on that occasion, in that atmosphere and within a half was simply stunning. We have seen many players change games after the interval when the manager’s influence can be brought to bear. But this was all the then 19-year-old’s own work. By half time, Tottenham still had their lead but Arsenal had a stranglehold. The comeback seemed inevitable.
Last season the likes of Johan Djourou, Justin Hoyte and Abou Diaby all staked a Premiership claim. All are precocious and precious talents — but all are older than Fabregas. Even Denilson, the darling of the Carling Cup run this term, is only nine months younger.
When Wenger brought in Theo Walcott he argued that “talent is seen early”. The manager’s trick is spotting that ability, nurturing it and allowing it to bloom. Fabregas and Nicolas Anelka are the best examples. The latter left Highbury too early to really assume responsibility in his position. The sea-change for the Spaniard last term was that he had managed to pull off this most difficult trick.
No longer can Cesc Fabregas be seen as a young player with superb ability. He is now the fulcrum of the side. He lubricates the Arsenal engine room, linking defence and attack, controlling the way the team plays. He is now vital to the side.
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Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has reportedly set his sights on Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini.
The Frenchman announced towards the end of the season that he was ready to leave Arsenal, and he is set to buy out the rest of his contract in order to escape the club.
Flamini is currently assessing his options and is expected to make a decision on his future in the next couple of weeks.
"Mathieu is in talks with several clubs and will soon be making his decision," legal adviser Alexandra Missirli confirmed in The Sun.
One of Flamini's options is understood to be Birmingham, who have been looking to strengthen since securing their return to the Premier League.
Bruce has a history of signing players from Arsenal, having taken Nicklas Bendtner on loan last season and also buying Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba.
Birmingham have also been linked Celta Vigo winger Daniel De Ridder, who impressed for Holland during the recent European Under 21 Championship.
Speculation suggests he is keen to leave Spain following Celta's relegation from La Liga, and Bruce is reportedly lining up a £2.5million deal.
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Arsenal and Tottenham are both understood to be interested in Chinede Ogbuke.
The highly-rated Nigerian striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League since training with Portsmouth in January.
His performances for Lyn Oslo have alerted the attention of several other top English clubs.
Capital rivals Spurs and Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase, having sent scouts to Norway to watch the 21-year-old in action against Rosenborg.
Ogbuke scored twice in Lyn Oslo's 2-1 victory to take his tally to the season to eight goals from 11 games.
Ogbuke is contracted to Lyn Oslo until the end of 2008 but reports in the English press suggest the Premier League pair are already battling it out to agree a deal for the player.
Liverpool have also been linked with a possible move for Ogbuke and agent John Shittu has confirmed he has a number of options.
Shittu said: "Many clubs are interested. We're looking for the best deal both socially and football-wise for his development."
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Auxerre have hinted that they may not be able to keep hold of Arsenal target Bakari Sagna.
The French full-back is desperate to move to Emirates Stadium and The Gunners have reportedly had one offer already knocked back by the Ligue 1 club.
If Arsene Wenger returns with an acceptable bid though, Auxerre vice-president Gerard Bourgoin admits he could be powerless to keep the 24-year-old.
"Sagna has a deep desire to play in England and he genuinely wants to wear the Arsenal shirt," said Bourgoin in the Daily Mail.
"They seem keen to sign him as well.
"The conditions for him to leave have not all been met - at least not for the time being."
If Sagna makes the move to North London he would provide competition for Justin Hoyte and Emmanuel Eboue at right-back, but the Auxerre star can also perform on the left-hand side.
Arsenal already boast two Frenchmen in that position, in first choice Gael Clichy and young pretender Armand Traore.
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Real Madrid have hinted that Jose Antonio Reyes might yet earn a permanent move to the club.
The Spanish champions were expected not to make Reyes' loan move from Arsenal into a permanent arrangement after he failed to hold down a regular place in the side last season.
Reyes is adamant that he does not want to return to Arsenal and has been holding out for a move to El Santiago Bernabeu.
Atletico Madrid were believed to be keen on Reyes, but Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has now revealed the club could keep the forward after his Liga-winning heroics when coming off the bench to score twice against Real Mallorca to help Real to the title.
"(Reyes) helped us win the league," Mijatovic told the club's official website.
"He's an excellent player and there's a chance he'll stay with us."
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Real Madrid are hoping to convince Arsenal to sell Jose Antonio Reyes in a cut-price deal.
The newly crowned Spanish champions have hinted they plan to keep Reyes after it looked like he would be on his way out of El Santiago Bernabeu.
Reyes's match-winning performance when coming off the bench to score twice against Real Mallorca to seal the title and Fabio Capello's departure has prompted a rethink by Real over the Spanish international's future.
Real are believed to have tabled a £6million offer for Reyes, which is half the fee they agreed when they initially signed him on loan last summer.
Reyes has not hidden his desire to leave Arsenal on a permanent basis and he has been holding out for a permanent deal at Real.
Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has revealed they are now trying to negotiate a bargain price with Arsenal for Reyes.
"We will negotiate for Reyes again," Mijatovic told the News of the World.
"We will talk this over with Arsenal and negotiate a lower fee."
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Arsenal have rejected Real's first offer as they are holding out for £9.5million for the forward.
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We need the full fee for Reyes. Real can't push their luck this time!!!!!
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Arturo Lupoli has completed his move to Fiorentina after leaving Arsenal.
The 20-year-old joins Fiorentina on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at Arsenal.
Lupoli, who spent last season on loan at Derby, failed to establish himself at Arsenal after arriving from Parma in the summer of 2004.
The diminutive striker was keen to return to his homeland and Fiorentina have won the race for his signature.
Arsenal confirmed Lupoli's exit in a statement saying: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Arturo for his contribution to the club and wish him the best of luck for the future."
Meanwhile, Marco Donadel has signed a new deal at the Artemio Franchi.
The highly-rated defender had attracted the interest of a host of clubs, but he has pledged his future to Fiorentina.
Donadel has inked a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2011 and the player was happy to stay with the Viola.
"I'm absolutely happy. This means the club think highly of me," said Donadel.
"I have the faith of the coach Cesare Prandelli and of the sporting director Pantaleo Corvino who are important reference points for me."
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Arsenal Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed with Dinamo Zagreb for the transfer of striker Eduardo Da Silva on a four year contract for an undisclosed fee, subject to a medical.
Da Silva (24), was born in Brazil but moved to Croatia at the age of 15 and took Croatian nationality in 2002. The striker scored the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium when Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round.
Eduardo has made 12 appearances for the Croatian national team scoring seven goals, including one of his country’s goals in their 2-0 Euro 2008 Qualifier victory over England in October 2006.
Further details will follow on Arsenal.com.
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Gunners announce da Silva deal
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Sky Sports - By Tom Adams
Arsenal have announced they have agreed a deal to sign Croatian international striker Eduardo da Silva.
The Dinamo Zagreb star will move to Emirates Stadium for an undisclosed fee, subject to a medical, after agreeing a four-year deal in North London.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was forced into the transfer market by Thierry Henry's decision to join Barcelona, and had been linked with a wide array of players including West Ham's Carlos Tevez and Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins of Newcastle.
However, in keeping with his track record in North London, the Frenchman has pounced for a largely unheralded talent and, coincidentally, the man who scored the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium in a UEFA Champions League qualifying tie last season.
Da Silva, who moved from Brazil to Croatia at the age of 15, enjoys a prolific record at international level with seven goals from 12 games for his adoptive country, including a header against England in their 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in October.
The 24-year-old has six goals in total in the qualifying campaign - three behind top scorer David Healy.
Last season for his club, da Silva scored a remarkable 34 times in 32 games, netting 71 goals in total in 100 appearances for Dinamo before earning a move to the Premier League.
Providing he passes a medical, the Croatian international will compete with Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner for a place in Wenger's attack next season.
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Reports emanating from the French press have claimed Nicolas Anelka is being eyed by Spanish side Valencia.
Despite having had just one season at Bolton, it has been widely reported that Anelka's sojourn in the North West could prove to be a short one.
The talented-but-temperamental Frenchman was linked with a move to Manchester United earlier in the summer and, while this seems unlikely, a return to either of his former clubs, Manchester City or Arsenal, could have more credence.
Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of his compatriot, having signed him from Paris Saint Germain, although the acrimonious circumstances of his departure from North London could prohibit his return.
City are awash with spending power following Thaksin Shinawatra's arrival and could be suitors but, if reports are to be believed, it is Valencia that are ready to make the first move.
The club's sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz is known to be a fan of the player and would not be put off by a likely fee of around £10million.
It has also been reported that Villarreal, having sold Diego Forlan to Atletico Madrid, could be in the market for a big name striker.
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Croatian international Eduardo da Silva has spoken of his excitement at agreeing a move to three-time Premier League winners Arsenal.
The Brazilian-born striker will move to Emirates Stadium upon the successful completion of a medical, in a deal that could reportedly break the Croatian transfer record.
The Dinamo Zagreb star has clearly outgrown his current environment having been his league's top scorer in the past two seasons and, despite recently signing a new ten-year deal in the Croatian capital, is now looking forward with great anticipation to the start of his career in England.
"I am excited and happy in the same time, also very proud that I am going to play in such a big club," da Silva told Uefa.com.
"Every football player wants to play for Barcelona, Real [Madrid], Manchester United or Arsenal one day and so do I.
"I want to progress in my career, but it will be hard to leave Dinamo Zagreb after eight years.
"I will miss the club, the guys...I will be back one day, but now I want to accept a new challenge."
Eduardo has proved himself on the international scene with seven goals in 12 appearances for Croatia, but his task in North London will be an even more daunting one - filling the boots of departed captain Thierry Henry.
The French superstar joined the Catalans for £16million in June, and Dinamo president Mirko Barisic claims the entirety of that transfer fee has now been used to prise da Silva from Croatia.
"I think the transfer is worth €24million (£16.25million) from the money Arsenal got after selling Henry to Barcelona," said Barisic.
However, sources have told Sky Sports News that the fee for da Silva is closer to £8million.
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B93 starlet Mathias Jorgensen has rejected a move to the Premiership to sign for FC Copenhagen.
The 17-year-old had caught the eye of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger [pictured] as well as connections at Tottenham but turned down a move to the Premiership.
Jorgensen instead opted for a three-year contract with the Danish side much to the delight of connections at the club.
FCK director Carsten V. Jensen told the club's official website: "We know that several Premier League clubs were chasing Mathias, and therefore, we are happy that he chose to continue his career with us.
"We see a big potential in him and we are certain that he will continue his progress with FC Copenhagen."
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Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood believes Arsene Wenger has unearthed a new gem in Eduardo da Silva.
The Croatia international agreed a move to Arsenal on Monday after another impressive season at Dinamo Zagreb.
Hill-Wood accepts that da Silva's signing may have raised a few eyebrows as he is not a household name in the United Kingdom.
However, da Silva scored 34 goals in 32 games last season and Hill-Wood believes his finishing ability will help rectify the problems of last season.
Hill-Wood thinks Wenger has a good eye for up-and-coming talent and is confident da Silva will be a success.
"He's a very highly-regarded player and he's been bought to score goals," he told the Daily Star.
"Arsene is full of surprises and he knows what he's doing. This player is certainly better than some of the forwards we've been linked with.
"Scoring goals was a bit of a problem last season but hopefully we'll also have a few more from midfield.
"Arsene has unearthed a few gems before with players who have not been particularly well-known and we hope it continues."
Hill-Wood also hinted that Wenger was looking to bring in further signings over the coming weeks.
"As always with Arsene there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes," he said.
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Cesc Fabregas is confident Thierry Henry will be back to his best when he takes to the field for Barcelona next season.
The Arsenal midfielder admits he will miss his close friend but knows how excited he is to have joined the Spanish giants in a £16million move.
Fabregas insists Henry will not expect a place in Frank Rijkaard's side and will be ready to fight for his place.
"He is really motivated ahead of this new adventure and has been looking forward to playing in Camp Nou for quite some time," he told Sport.
"I know that he is prepared to work hard to earn a place in the team from day one, but I do not think that there are many players in the world that could be considered ahead of Henry for a place in a team."
Fabregas believes Barca fans will soon take the new signing to their hearts and will see the best of Henry when he is able to run at opposition defences.
"It is difficult to discover things in his game that everyone has not already seen on television, but when he is given space on the pitch he will show what he is capable of," he explained.
"Henry is the best player in the world when given the ball in space.
"When he is facing a defence on the run then I do not think that there is anyone who can stop him.
"Power and intelligence are his main strengths. As I say, stopping him is very difficult.
When the new campaign kicks off Henry will be 30, but Fabregas thinks his former team-mate has plenty more to give.
"I think he still has four years at the highest level left. With his intelligence he can carry on for a long, long time yet.
"It is true that last year he did not play much, 17 games if I remember correctly, but when he did he scored some crucial goals."
Arsenal must rebuild after losing their talismanic forward but Fabregas does not feel the club should look to replace Henry directly.
He said: "It is impossible to find someone to replace him because he would irreplaceable to any team.
"But now we will have to continue on without him and have already played a lot of games last term when he was unavailable.
"I will do my own thing still and try to improve day to day and to help the team."
Fabregas himself has been linked with a move to Spain but he maintains he is totally committed to The Gunners.
"The summer is now over for me. I am going back to pre-season training very soon at Arsenal. My team.
"I am staying in London."
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Arsenal have completed the signing of Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian has signed a four-year deal at Emirates Stadium after Arsenal paid an undisclosed fee for his signature.
Arsenal announced they had agreed a deal with Dinamo on Monday and they have tied up the formalities of the transfer, with the move now just subject to a work permit being obtained.
The highly-rated striker will help fill the void left by Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona last month.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes da Silva will prove a valuable addition to his squad for the coming season.
"We are delighted to have signed Eduardo da Silva," Wenger told the club's official website.
"He has great qualities and will integrate very well into our style of football. He is a very good finisher and although he is predominantly a striker, he is a very adaptable player.
"I have known about him for a while but his performances against us in last year's Champions League really showed what a dangerous player he is.
"Da Silva is a pacy, intelligent player. Also, he is hardworking and has a very good team ethic to his game.
"Eduardo will be a great asset for us and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us."
Brazilian-born da Silva expressed his delight at making the move to North London.
"I am so happy and proud to be joining Arsenal Football Club," said da Silva.
"Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world with many great players and I am looking forward to helping my new club challenge for trophies."
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Paul Merson fears Arsenal will fail to make the Champions League without Thierry Henry.
The former Highbury favourite says it is 50-50 whether they, or bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur grab that fourth and final qualification place in the 2007-08 Premier League.
Merson, who scored 98 goals in 427 appearances for the Gunners, applauded the arrival Eduardo da Silva from Croatia Zagreb - but still fears his old side will fall short having flogged Henry to Barcelona.
"Arsenal worry me this season," he told Sky Spors News. "They worry me immensely.
"I honestly think it's heads or tails for them to finish fourth - and for Arsenal not to get into the Champions League with the new stadium would be a nightmare.
"I just worry for Arsenal. Tottenham have bought well - I know they paid over the top for Darren Bent, but it's not his fault. It will be between them and Arsenal as to who will finish fourth."
Da Silva, a Brazilian-born Croatian, has signed a four-year deal at the Emirates for an undisclosed fee .
Merson believes he is talented enough to succeed in the Premier League, but admits that Henry's boots will be almost impossible to fill.
"They had to get someone in to replace for Henry but this is a horrible one for the lad to do because he's got to replace the best centre-forward in the world, no doubt about that," he said.
"It's not fair on the lad to come in and replace him. He's a decent player, we've seen him enough times and there's no question he's decent.
"But to come in and fill the boots of Henry is just phenomenal. I do feel sorry for him and I hope people won't judge him on that."
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Bakari Sagna has once again called on Auxerre to sanction his dream move to Arsenal.
After signing Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb, Arsene Wenger is believed to have made Sagna his next major target and has reportedly already failed with a bid for the full-back.
Sagna admits he is desperate to join the French foreign legion at Emirates Stadium, and has lamented the price tag put on him by Auxerre's hierarchy.
"My state of mind hasn't changed, I want to leave" Sagna told Football365.fr.
"Regarding at what price Auxerre want to transfer me, I can't join another French club. So if I leave, I will go to England.
"I had no career plan in my mind, but I have the chance to be wanted by a big European club, it shows my progression.
"So I want to move. I have to benefit of all the positive things that are happening to me. Maybe this chance won't come twice.
"I have a big desire to play for Arsenal next season. England correspond to my style of football. I also love the atmosphere created by the fans.
"Arsenal make me dream because they are a mythical club and there are a lot of French players. When I see all the French players that succeed with Arsenal, I say to myself why not me?
"Auxerre directors ask for a lot of money, I am not lucky. It is capital for my future."
Meanwhile, Auxerre have completed a deal for Ligue 2 top scorer Jean-Michel Lesage.
The striker has signed a three-year deal to join Jean Fernandez's club after spending eight seasons at Le Havre.
Celta Vigo's Romanian defender Gabriel Tamas is also expected to sign for Auxerre in the coming days, having passed a medical in France.
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Freddie Ljungberg's agent has dismissed reports linking the Arsenal midfielder with Fiorentina as mere 'speculation'.
The Sweden captain is rumoured to be on the wish list of a number of European clubs after suffering from two barren seasons in North London.
West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth have all been linked with the two-time Premier League winner, whilst reports in Italy on Wednesday claimed that Viola were also ready to enter the chase.
Such claims have been rubbished once again by Ljungberg's agent Claes Eleflak though, with his client seemingly intent on completing his upcoming tenth season with The Gunners.
"Speculation," Elefalk told Sportbladet when questioned on the Fiorentina reports. "There will be more.
"We have said it so many times, he has explained that he will play on [for Arsenal]."
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Arsenal have handed professional contracts to five of their young talents at Emirates Stadium.
Nacer Barazite, Rui Fonte, Paul Rodgers, Jay Simpson and Wojciech Szczesny have all made the step up from the North London club's youth ranks after impressing under Steve Bould's tutelage.
17-year-old forwards Barazite and Fonte were both recruited by The Gunners last summer and have adapted well to life in England.
Both featured in the run to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and will now be hoping to make a more sustained impact at reserve level in the coming months.
England youth internationals Rodgers and Simpson also played a role as Arsenal lost to rivals Manchester United over two legs, playing in front of over 38,000 in the home fixture.
Completing the five players awarded professional deals is Polish goalkeeper Szczesny, who is currently in Canada representing his country at the Fifa World Youth Championship.
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Gilberto Silva has blasted Didier Drogba for dismissing Arsenal's title hopes in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure.
The new Arsenal captain believes Drogba is being disrespectful to the Gunners by suggesting they will not be able to mount a title challenge without Henry.
Gilberto has hit back at Drogba aiming a swipe at Chelsea's failure to win the Premier League last season.
"So Drogba said we're already out of the title race, did he? Well, let's wait and see what happens," Gilberto told The Sun.
"What I do know is last season Chelsea spent a fortune on new signings and still couldn't beat Arsenal once in the league.
"They didn't defend their title either, so I think Drogba is talking a little bit too much."
Gilberto also welcomed Arsenal's move for Croatian international Eduardo da Silva and he is confident the striker will do well at Emirates Stadium next season.
"We played against him in the Champions League. He appears to be a good player and a great striker but we'll have to see how he settles in and adapts to English football," added Gilberto.
"I think he could do well. It will also be excellent to have someone in the team who speaks Portuguese.
"We'll lose a heck of a lot without Henry. He was our main player, the captain, the top scorer.
"It's true that replacing him will be no simple task. But we can't go through the kind of spell as we did when Patrick Vieira went to Italy.
"He was the leader of the squad and it took us time to adapt to playing without him. We don't want that again."
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Valencia are hoping to hear if Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini will join the club.
The Spanish giants have held talks with the unsettled Frenchman over a possible move to La Mestalla.
Flamini is looking to leave Arsenal after growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities at Emirates Stadium.
The former Marseille man is thought to be considering buying out the rest of his contract in order to escape the club.
Birmingham have been linked with the versatile performer, but Valencia are hoping to lure Flamini to Spain.
Valencia's sporting director Amedeo Carboni has called on Flamini to make a decision on the club's offer soon.
"We have spoken to him and we want an answer soon as we must make plans for the coming season," Carboni told The Mirror.
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Fernando Torres says his Spanish international team-mate Cesc Fabregas convinced him to move to the Premier League.
Torres, who joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid for £20million, spoke to the Arsenal midfielder at length before committing himself to Anfield.
"Cesc has triumphed at Arsenal and, after speaking to him several times, I thought to myself: 'Why can't I repeat my experience?' Torres told the News of the World.
"He (Fabregas) told me the key is not to get desperate if things go against me.
"I understand the first few months at Anfield will not be easy but I'm determined to overcome every obstacle."
Ironically, Torres could have joined Fabregas at Arsenal.
He revealed: "After winning the European Junior Championship in 1999, my name was linked with the big clubs. Offers came in, including one from Arsenal, but at the time I was happy to stay with Atletico."
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez revealed Torres chose Liverpool in spite of bigger offers being made for the Spanish striker.
But Torres has confirmed money was not the deciding factor in his move to Anfield.
"My choice was not down to money. This is a personal challenge. I have signed for six seasons and my desire is to play here for the six."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the capture of Torres is proof of the club's strength in the transfer market.
"This (signing) says we are still here, in contention for the biggest names," Parry told the Sunday Mirror.
"If you want to win titles, you have to go for top quality. There aren't that many top-quality strikers around, particularly (aged) 23.
Fernando has committed to six years and that could be six very exciting years for him and us. We still have one or two more targets to go at."
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Theo Walcott believes he can fill the void left by the departure of Thierry Henry from Arsenal.
The 18-year-old's campaign last term was blighted by a shoulder injury which forced him to miss last month's Under 21 European Championship.
The jet-heeled striker is now fully recovered from his shoulder injury and is keen to prove himself at Emirates Stadium.
"The shoulder is absolutely fine," said Walcott. "I have about 85 per cent of full movement at the moment but I have started training as normal.
"Myself and Robin van Persie started two weeks early."
The former Southampton youngster has set himself a goal target of ten next season as he looks to establish himself as a regular in Arsene Wenger's plans.
"I want to get 10 goals next season and I would like to make 20 or 25 starts," added Walcott.
"Basically, I want to improve every year. I know I'm quite a high-profile player, but I'm just 18, so all I want to do is work hard and try to get more starts for the first team."
Meanwhile, five of Arsenal's youngsters have signed professional terms at the club.
Rui Fonte, Paul Rodgers, Jay Simpson, Nacer Barazite and Wojciech Szczesny have all done enough to earn contracts with The Gunners.
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Reports emanating from the Italian press have intimated that Reggina's Rolando Bianchi is attracting attention from three Premier League clubs.
The striker was all set for a switch to Napoli, only for the deal to collapse, in a turn of events that is thought to have alerted the attention of Manchester City, Portsmouth and Arsenal.
Reggina and Napoli had reached an accord for the former Under 21 international, who scored an impressive 18 goals last season, only for the latter to go cold on the deal and pull out.
Atletico Madrid and Valencia had purportedly been interested but Bianchi has previously stated his preference for staying in Serie A.
Juventus were mooted as possible suitors, only to sign Vincenzo Iaquinta, with Bianchi now unlikely to still be on the radar of the Turin giants.
Manchester City are known to be in the market for at least a couple of strikers and given Sven Goran Eriksson's vast network of contacts in Italy, it would come as no surprise were he to express an interest.
Arsenal and Portsmouth are also likely to invest in strikers before the close of the pre-season, with the latter's bid for Preston's David Nugent looking to have somewhat stalled at present.
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Arsenal have been taking note of Mexican starlet Cesar Villaluz's performances at the Fifa Under 20 World Cup in Canada.
The central midfielder has impressed en route to Mexico reaching the knockout phase and reports claim Arsenal have shown an interest.
Villaluz, who currently plays for Cruz Azul, is unaware of the link and is trying to focus on helping his country to win the tournament.
"I don't know if what has been said about Arsenal is true in the last days as nobody has said anything to me, most of all my agent," Villaluz told Medio Tiempo.
"So I prefer, for the moment, to keep my mind on the Under 20 national team.
"Obviously it's very important for me if there are scouts from teams like Arsenal watching me, but I really don't know anything.
"It's good and motivating, but my agent is the person in charge to handle those things. He does the work outside the pitch and I have to try to keep on doing the best on the pitch so important teams keep on watching me.
"If I keep on playing well that will give my agent more options and he will know what to do.
"Personally I only want to think of the national team and I will only talk again about this topic if my agent tells me something."
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William Gallas has issued a thinly veiled attack on his Arsenal paymasters, with the French defender having been outspoken in his criticism of the club's buying and selling policy, along with what he perceives to be a lack of ambition.
Having moved across the capital last summer in swapping Chelsea for Arsenal, Gallas endured a season of disappointment, as his former club secured a cup double and Arsenal finished the campaign fourth and without silverware.
His mood has hardly been lightened in the close-season either, with the departure of compatriot and talisman Thierry Henry having not sat well with the experienced stopper.
Gallas has in the past spoken of Arsenal's over-reliance on the youth Arsene Wenger champions, with his opinion being that experience needs to be added, in order to cajole and nurture a side of talented but raw starlets.
"What is sure, is that several players are questioning the club's future," Gallas said in an interview published on his personal website.
"Around us, all the teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Titi Henry (to Barcelona)?
"I am not at Arsenal to play for third place. It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very long.
"The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results to gain titles. If not, one will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means."
Gallas is set to return for pre-season training on Wednesday but before he begins to plan for a new campaign, he will seek talks with both Wenger and the club's board.
"I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and board members to know the objectives of the club this season and what they wish to set up to build an even more competitive team," he concluded.
"Today I am at Arsenal but I do not know what can occur tomorrow. It all happens so quickly in the world of football."
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New Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has confirmed his admiration for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
The young Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to Real, despite recently stating he is happy to stay with the Gunners.
Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic revealed over the weekend that the Primera Liga champions are still interested in signing the 20-year-old.
And Schuster, appointed as Real coach on Monday, has acknowledged that Fabregas would be the type of player capable of improving his new team.
"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing career," said Schuster at a press conference.
"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.
"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."
Meanwhile, Schuster paid tribute to his predecessor Fabio Capello, who was sacked despite delivering a first title in four years.
The German, who has signed a three-year contract, added: "He achieved something very important by winning the league title last season.
"If you don't win trophies it creates a lot of tension and so the fact that the club has won the league title has taken a weight off my shoulders. It will make my job that much easier.
"We all knew how hard it was to take over the team last season. In the end he achieved a lot in terms of improving team spirit. That's what helped the side win the league title and I'm going to make the most of that spirit.
"It would have been a lot harder for me if the team had not won the title. There would have been more nerves and more pressure."
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Cesc Fabregas insists he is committed to Arsenal amid fresh interest from Real Madrid.
New Real coach Bernd Schuster confirmed his admiration for the Gunners midfielder on Monday and the Spanish giants are reportedly preparing a £27million bid.
Real were hoping Fabregas would want to quit Emirates Stadium and head back to his homeland this summer.
But the 20-year-old is adamant he has no plans to leave Arsenal and will snub Real's advances to stay with Arsene Wenger's men.
"Everyone wants the best for me, but I'm happy in London and I haven't made any plans to go," Fabregas said in the Daily Star.
"Seeing people of all ages, young and old, wearing the shirt with my name on it in London is an honour and gives me a lift.
"I could play every game, the fans were on my side and that means you're doing things well."
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Bakari Sagna will complete his move from Auxerre to Arsenal on Tuesday, according to widespread reports emanating from France.
The talented full-back, who prefers to operate on the right but can also play on the left, is thought to have undergone a medical at Emirates Stadium.
A five-year year deal is purported to have been agreed, after the two clubs concurred on a fee in the region of £6million.
Sagna arrives with a growing reputation in his homeland, having been drafted into Raymond Domenech's France squad, although he has yet to win his first cap.
A whole host of Europe's biggest clubs were thought to be monitoring Sagna's situation, but it is Arsenal who have stolen a march on their rivals to secure his services
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Fiorentina are looking to fend off Premiership interest in order to land Freddie Ljungberg.
The 30-year-old Swede is being chased by the Viola - who have sent sporting director Pantaleo Corvino to London - to try and broker a deal.
Ljungberg, who has been with the Gunners for nine years, is reported to have held talks with Corvino - despite earlier denials from his agent that he was interested in a move.
However, news of Fiorentina's bid has alerted both Manchester City and Sunderland, who are reported to have made contact with Arsenal.
The Gunners are likely to let Ljungberg choose his own future, with Italian reports suggesting that Fiorentina are confident of sealing the midfielder's signature.
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Freddie Ljungberg is seemingly edging towards the exit door at Arsenal after it was confirmed talks over his future are ongoing.
Fiorentina have opened talks with Arsenal about the transfer of the Swedish midfielder.
And for the first time Ljungberg's agent has confirmed that talks are ongoing.
"The two clubs are in discussions," Claes Elefalk told Swedish news agency TT.
"If they come to an agreement, Fredrik can think about looking at a move."
"Fredrik is really happy at Arsenal, but if it is an option, he could also consider a move to Fiorentina."
Both Manchester City and Sunderland have also been linked with a move for Ljungberg, but the lure of Serie A seems the most tempting option available to the 30-year-old Swede.
Reports in Italy have also suggested that Arsenal have enquired about the possibility of including striker Valeri Bojinov in the deal.
The Bulgarian is not part of Fiorentina's plans and is available - but Arsenal would have to offer money as well as Ljungberg to land Bojinov, although a loan move could be an option for The Gunners - should they firm up their interest in the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.
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Arsenal are being strongly linked with signing France Under 21 international Yoan Gouffran.
The Caen striker will reportedly join The Gunners on a four-year deal but return to the French club on loan for the coming season.
Gouffran was the Ligue 2 Player of the Year last term as his 15 goals helped fire Caen back into France's top-flight.
The highly-rated attacker was close to joining Auxerre last summer, while Chelsea and Valencia are admirers of the 21-year-old.
Paris Saint Germain could rival Arsenal for Gouffran's signature but reports suggest Arsene Wenger will land the starlet.
Gouffran is believed to be costing Arsenal in the region of €3million (£2million).
Arsenal are also edging closer to completing the capture of another French ace in Auxerre's Bakari Sagna.
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French defender Bacary Sagna has signed for Arsenal from Auxerre on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Sagna (24) who won the French Cup with Auxerre in 2005, was recently called up to the French national squad, where he was an unused substitute in his country’s Euro 2008 Qualifier victory over Georgia in June.
Bacary, who was born in France but has Senegalese parents, has been a regular for Auxerre over the past three seasons, making 87 appearances for the French side during that time. Featuring predominantly at right back, Sagna played a part in Auxerre’s UEFA Cup campaign last season.
Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Bacary Sagna. He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons. He plays mainly at right back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game. He has a fighting spirit and will be a very good addition to our squad.”
Sagna said: “It is great to be joining Arsenal and I’m excited to be playing alongside many great players. I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team. Also Arsène Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him. I’m also looking forward to playing at Emirates Stadium and winning trophies for the Club and all the supporters.”
Bacary will wear the No 3 shirt for Arsenal and will immediately join up with his new team mates.
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Cesc Fabregas has once more pledged his future to Arsenal after admitting he held talks with Real Madrid.
The Spanish champions have made a concerted push to try and prise the midfielder from Emirates Stadium over the summer.
Arsenal have been determined to hang on to Fabregas following Thierry Henry's sale to Barcelona, but doubts about manager Arsene Wenger's long-term future have raised questions about the Spaniard's own situation.
However, Fabregas has now confirmed he will be staying with the Gunners after thanking Real for showing an interest.
"I'm very grateful to Real and it is an honour that such a great club is interested in me," Fabregas told Radio Marca.
"But after the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona I couldn't leave Arsenal in the lurch.
"I spoke to Real's president Ramon Calderon and sport director Predrag Mijatovic, and they are spectacular people.
"It was very satisfying to listen to them as Real Madrid is a great club, but I have decided to stay at Arsenal.
"I had a long talk with Wenger. He is someone I can talk to about anything.
"I have total confidence in the boss that he will sign a new deal. Wenger believes in this team and has a lot of confidence in the squad.
"I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve, and I want to do that with this team."
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End of the season... new seasons thread here - Arsenal 2007/2008 (http://freeneasy.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59582)
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