Henry's French frustration

Thierry Henry admits he is disappointed by the way he is viewed by people in France.

The striker is a regular for Les Bleus but, having left France at a young age to play club football abroad, is not as well known in his own country as he is in England.

Henry believes that the French people only see him as the intense character he is on the pitch, and do not appreciate the more fun-loving side of his personality.

"I don't have any problems with the way I am perceived here but I do in France because they don't know me really because I left the country early," he explained.

"They don't know that off the pitch I am never serious, I am always joking.

"I know it is difficult to believe because when I see myself on the pitch I can't believe how serious I look. But that's the way I am and I will never change.

"Off the pitch I am not the same guy you see on the pitch. I am chilled and laid-back. It must be my West Indian roots."

Henry is also not ashamed to admit that there is an air of arrogance about him.

"In the game you need a bit of arrogance. I have never been scared of saying that I am confident of my abilities," he said.

"Some people have a problem about saying that but I know what I am good at and what I am not good at."

Despite wishing that he was more popular in France, Henry insisted that he intends to stay in London, even when his playing days are behind him.

"London is my home. I love London and I will never leave here whatever happens," remarked Henry, who agreed a new four-year deal with The Gunners towards the end of last season.

"I am proud of it. It is never easy for someone from abroad to come and be accepted."