Barcelona's Thierry Henry with the Champions League trophy
Wenger - Henry could have won us 2008 title
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger admits that Thierry Henry could have won Arsenal the title last season - but he couldn't stand in his way when Barcelona came calling.
The French striker lifted the Champions League trophy for his new club last night, three years after going so close to European glory with the Gunners. Barcelona's victory over Manchester United in Rome would have been welcomed by many Arsenal fans, not least because of their fond memories of Henry, forged over nine years of scintillating attacking play at Highbury and Emirates Stadium.
Wenger has said that his compatriot would be a "deserving" Champions League winner and, speaking last week, he reflected on Henry's decision to leave Arsenal for the Nou Camp in the summer of 2007.
The manager thinks that the 31-year-old could have made the difference in the 2007/08 title race - a contest which Arsenal lost by just four points. However, Wenger believes he was right to let Henry leave after almost a decade of sterling service for the Club.
"Maybe he could have made a difference, maybe last year," said Wenger. "We had 83 points and with him we could have gained two or three more that could have won us the championship.
"But at that time I felt that a guy who has played eight or nine years for you, and has shown that kind of desire, it’s difficult to stand in his way.
"If he had done two or three years I would have said ‘my friend, you stay here’ but when he has given so much [it is different]. He had this opportunity at Barcelona, he had a first very difficult year but I am very happy he made it this year.
"He has convinced everybody because he is a top-class player and you want them to be successful."
[Thursday, May 28, 2009]
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