Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told Arsene Wenger's critics to lay off the Gunners manager.
|||London – Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told Arsene Wenger's critics to lay off the Gunners manager.
Henry is regarded as one of Arsenal's all-time greats after helping them win a host of trophies – becoming the club's record goalscorer in the process – before joining Barcelona in 2007.
But the 33-year-old returns to his former club with New York Red Bulls in the Emirates Cup this weekend to find Wenger under fire after six years without silverware.
Wenger's failure to replicate the glory days of Henry, Patrick Vieira and company has drawn stinging criticism from fans and pundits, with the Frenchman's cautious approach in the transfer market also a source of frustration.
However, Henry – who is due to face Arsenal on Sunday – is adamant Wenger will get the Gunners back on track and he believes his compatriot should be able to rely on the support of Arsenal's board and fans.
“I know some people had a go at Arsene recently. The boss changed the face of the club and, for me, I would keep Arsene for life,” Henry said at a press conference on Friday.
“I know he got a bit of stick recently, but hopefully they can change that this year.
“Whichever team you play in, it is a team effort. In our time, we had a great time. It was not down to one, two, three, four, five, six or seven players. It is a team effort.”
Although Henry supports Wenger, he can understand the bitter disappointment of Gunners supporters, who last season had to endure another end-of-season collapse after once looking strong on all fronts.
“I am an Arsenal fan, I just want to see them winning. I am suffering because we didn't win anything for a very long time, but I hope that they can do well,” Henry said.
“You have got to stick with the guys even when they are not doing well. That is one of the most important things. Hopefully they can do it this year.”
Henry is enjoying life in America, having moved to the MLS in 2010, yet the former World Cup and European Championship winner admits he could be tempted to move into coaching at Arsenal when he eventually retires.
“I would like to. It's a big thing. I would love to be part of the club one day, but it's not up to me,” Henry said.
“Right now, I think I they are in the right hands and we know that.” – Sapa-AFP
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