Henry In Contract Talks

Arsenal's manager and board have wasted no time in trying to concoct a deal that will see Henry sign for the rest of his career, after Henry announced it was intention to stay with the Gunners.

Henry yesterday confirmed that talks had begun, but are in the very early stages.

Henry only has 18 months left on his current deal, but wants the club to match his ambition.

'I have spoken briefly with the board and the manager in the last week,' said Henry. 'But we still have things to discuss.

'I just hope all the discussions I have with the board and with the manager show the club can match my sporting ambitions.

'I see a lot of people talking about money and saying what we can afford, whatever - that is not my main concern.

'I came into the sport to play football and enjoy it, that is my main concern. When I talk about sporting ambition, I mean my future in the game - nothing to do with money.

'I guess signing new players comes into it but that's nothing to do with me.

'I'm here to play football and you have other people who have to do what they have to do. '

'So there is still a lot to do. When I say the ball is in the board's court, I don't mean it in a bad way, I just mean I have said what my feelings are and we will see.'

'I know people will still ask questions right up until I sign the contract but I wanted to make it clear from my side.'

'Whether the deal will be signed in the next few days, weeks, months, I really don't know - it depends how it goes.'

'I haven't really had the chance to talk to the rest of the squad about it because I had a couple of days off last week and then they went to play Wigan, so I missed them.'

'But I'm sure a few of them will have a few questions for me and I will tell them my position.'