Wenger: Media Are Playing Games

Arsene Wenger believe's the news agencies of England and Spain are 'playing games' over Henry's contract, after a report suggesting a 'verbal agreement' had been reached between Henry and Barcelona for Henry to sign for the Catalonians in the summer.

Wenger rubbished the rumours, saying Henry would never do such a thing to Arsenal.

“I don't believe there is any truth in that because I cannot imagine that Thierry would do that,”

“Secondly, don't forget that Thierry is under contract until 2007 so anything agreed without us being involved can only be invented because it cannot be true.

“There is a game going on between the Spanish press and English press. The Spanish press brings something out that is not true and the English press answers that and the same on the other side.

Wenger realises that this sort has thing has gone on for years and there is nothing he can do except sit back, ignore it, and be very confident Henry will sign.

“I cannot stop any noises or transfer rumours. I tried for a while and I couldn't do it so there are a few solutions: either Thierry extends his contract now or does it at the end of the season.

“I believe he will stay with us but for me the most important thing at the moment is that he is focused on doing well with the team and I am convinced he does that because his answer is on the pitch.”

“Basically we know what we want, he knows what we offer and you have to respect a player who is not completely ready yet,” said the manager.

“Certainly someone like Thierry Henry will want to play in the Champions League. But there's more at stake than that - one year in the Champions League.

“It's 'Do I want to finish my career at the Club and be a player who has dedicated his career, his sporting life basically, to one club or not?'”

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