Wenger proud in defeat

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was proud of his side in defeat against Barcelona.

Barcelona are the new champions of Europe, with Arsenal falling to defeat after being reduced to ten-men early in the first half when Jens Lehmann saw red for a professional foul on Samuel Eto'o.

Sol Campbell gave his side the lead prior to half-time but in the final 15 minutes Eto'o and Juliano Belletti secured the European Cup for the Catalan giants.

While being proud of his side's exertions, Wenger admits he was less than enamoured with the performance of match referee Terje Hauge.

"I felt we played a great game and gave everything,'' said Wenger.

''We had a few chances in the last 20 minutes but it was difficult. I also felt their first goal was offside.

''We have lost it and it is difficult to take. This team have been fantastic today and right through the European season.

"I knew we could hang on and I knew nerves would play a part in their game. They did not look especially dangerous.

"But we will do it again and I believe the team is growing a lot after this season. We have plenty of good young players who have contributed a lot.

"This team are strong. Sometimes you can come back even stronger."

Wenger will now turn his attention on keeping Thierry Henry in North London, with speculation rife that he could have played his last game for the beaten finalists.

"I do not know how difficult it will be [to keep Henry] but we will try to do it,'' he concluded.

''It is not in my hands. It is Thierry's hands."