Henry over final defeats

Thierry Henry admits it has taken time to get over the two major final defeats last season.

The Arsenal striker was part of the sides that fell at the final hurdle in both the UEFA Champions League and World Cup.

France were defeated on penalties by Italy in Germany, while The Gunners were outdone by Barcelona.

Henry believes his side were unlucky in both games and although accepting the results, still feels Arsenal were robbed of the chance of European glory.

"I have already swallowed the World Cup final defeat, before the World Cup I already had to swallow the unfairness of the Champions League final," Henry told L'Equipe.

"You can say what you want, but I continue to state that the Eto'o goal was offside, so that is two injustices.

"A lot of people in the streets told me we didn't deserve to lose against Italy, but we lost.

"It is much more painful when you lose because of a refereeing blunder."

Manchester United striker Louis Saha has been praised by Henry for his recent performances for France.

Saha is now a regular in the French set-up and Henry says his strike partner is now being recognised as a world-class front man.

"Louis has been here for a long time, his improvement in the French team has just been slowed by several injuries," he said.

"In England he is a known and recognised forward, you can't put Van Nistelrooy on the bench by chance."

Meanwhile, Henry insists Claude Makelele is happy to be with the France squad.

The Chelsea midfielder has been at the centre of a club versus country row after being called up by Raymond Domenech, despite previously stating he had retired.

Henry sympathises with the 33-year-old having previously been at the centre of rows involving Arsenal and France.

Henry added: "Claude Makelele expressed himself and that is most important.

"We forced him to come back but I know he is happy to be here. For us, the most important thing is for him to be here and be happy to be.

"I have often found myself in those kind of stories, Arsene was not happy I played the whole match in Bosnia but I wanted to play."