Wenger's doubts before signing

Arsenal boss also explains Henry decision

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 28th September 2007

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Wenger: Doubts

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Arsene Wenger insists he never considered quitting Arsenal for another club and has expanded on Thierry Henry's reasons for leaving Emirates Stadium.

Earlier in September, Wenger ended the uncertainty surrounding his future in North London by signing a new contract.

The Frenchman concedes the departure of David Dein as vice-chairman made him question his future, but he always ruled out joining another team.

"Indeed at a certain time I had doubts," Wenger told France Football. "You always have that kind of thinking when you are close to the end of your contract.

Difficult to swallow

"But to go somewhere else? No, I never started any talks with any other club.

"David Dein's departure has been something very difficult to swallow. Anyway, David remains an Arsenal fan and he has always pushed me to stay at the club."

Wenger also explained that Henry, who joined Barcelona in a £16million deal, was not willing to wait around for the current Arsenal team to mature.

Faith

He continued: "Thierry Henry told me, 'Coach, it is true we have a good and young team. They will probably be very good, but I have not got more time to wait. Will the team be good next year or in two years? I don't know, but today I have to make a decision'.

"I replied, 'Thierry, I can perfectly understand your trouble. I believe that the team will be very good soon, but I understand you ask yourself such a question'.

"So he said, 'I want to leave'. That is why he left. Then, it is true that the departure of David Dein had an influence on his decision, in a way it helped it.

"Thierry's injuries also participated in his departure. He stepped a little back from the team and during some matches he probably thought, 'We won't win the national title'.

"Maybe Thierry felt the faith was not there anymore at certain times."