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Hope for Henry

Last updated: 3rd April 2008

Pires: played with Henry

No one can forget the Henry that played at Arsenal. It's a new Henry at Barcelona, people should not compare the two.

Robert Pires
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Robert Pires is backing his former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry to eventually show his true colours for Barcelona.

Villarreal winger Pires has witnessed the best of Henry after playing alongside him for many years with Arsenal and France, but the striker has struggled to recapture his top form since arriving at the Camp Nou in the summer.

Pires insists it is difficult to adapt to life in Spain, both in terms of the culture and the style of football, but he says Henry will prove his worth to the Barca fans before the end of the season.

He told Revista de la Liga: "I think that some people are surprised with his form, but I am not. It is hard to adapt, even for a "Crack" player as they say here in Spain.

"Adapting to a new country with its unique culture and learning a new language is not easy.

"Also people have to remember that he signed for Barcelona, a club of the highest category.

"It is hard even for a player like Henry, but I think before this season is over we will see his best - both in the league and also in Euro 2008 with France.

"No one can forget the Henry that played at Arsenal. It's a new Henry at Barcelona, people should not compare the two.

"I think that is very difficult and that he has to adapt to life at Barcelona. I can tell you the style of football in the Spanish league is not that easy."

Wish

After Arsenal knocked Villarreal out of the Champions League in the semi-finals of 2006, Yellow Submarines coach Manuel Pellegrini said if he could sign any two Gunners players it would be Pires and Henry.

Half of Pellegrini's wish came true later that summer when Pires joined the club - and Pires said Henry should now consider joining him at the Estadio El Madrigal.

"If Thierry wants to come here there is a space for him," he joked.

"Maybe one day that will happen - in football anything is possible."

Pires, 34, is certainly happy with the club and has just signed a one-year extension to stay with Villarreal for another season, explaining he is very content with life in Spain.

He said: "I took the decision because both the President and the coach are happy with my work.

"This gave me a lot of confidence to continue with the club. I would like to say I was lucky enough to have offers from other clubs but I wanted to stay here.