Henry's Juve problem

Henry endured a miserable few months with Italy's Old Lady in 1999 before he was rescued from his Turin hell by Highbury boss Arsene Wenger.

The French hot shot arrived at Juventus as a winger from Monaco and while he acknowledges he believed that to be his best position, he did suffer difficulties with certain people at the club.

"I had problems with the top people at the club but they must remain private things," said Henry.

"I went there from Monaco as a wide player and not a striker and I was convinced that was my position."

Since joining The Gunners in August 1999 for £10.5 million, Henry has been carefully nurtured into a world-class striker by Wenger.

The 24-year-old concedes he was uncertain whether his new position would suit his game but he trusted the judgement of his compatriot.

Henry added: "He had seen me playing in the youth sides at Monaco but he left there in 1995 and when Jean Tigana became manager, he used me as a winger.

"Arsene had not forgotten. He wanted me in 1998 after the World Cup but Monaco pushed me to Juventus. When he bought me eventually he told me that if I played centre forward I would go very far.

"I wasn't so sure but I followed his advice because I respected his judgement. He was right but it wasn't easy. I had to rethink my movement and running."

Wenger believes Henry's torrid time in Turin has benefited his star striker and turned him into the prolific marksman he is today.

"Everybody who enjoys a big career needs to meet somebody who believes in them," said Wenger.

"Also, in that career you need a point where there is a setback because the test is how well you bounce back.

"The way Thierry responded was tremendous. That makes me confident about him. He is an emotional man but he is strong."