I would have quit if Vieira had left, says Henry
Thierry Henry today revealed that he would have quit Highbury if captain Patrick Vieira had joined Real Madrid in the summer.
Despite Arsenal again challenging for the title this year, Henry says that he would have considered his Highbury future had Vieira left.
The Gunners' skipper looked to be on the verge of joining Real Madrid until eventually agreeing to remain in North London, and Henry says his departure would have been catastrophic to their chances of success.
“If we had lost Pat I don't see how we could have carried on with the ambition of winning.
“We'd have lost one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and what do we do after that?
“I would have respected his opinion but I'm happy he listened to me before taking his final decision.
“I believe we spoke with each other at the right moment and I told him what I thought about it.
I'd have missed him as much on the playing side as in my feelings and I would surely have asked myself questions about the ambition of the club if he went.”
Henry is proud that Arsenal are battling Chelsea and Manchester United without spending huge amounts in the transfer market.
Henry says Jose Antonio Reyes is Arsene Wenger's only big-money signing in recent years, while United and Chelsea have been spending big.
“Look at the money spent by Arsenal and that spent by Manchester United or Chelsea,” said Henry.
“Apart from Jose Reyes, who have we spent a packet on in the last few seasons?
“I don't see anyone. We are battling with the most powerful club in the world, Manchester United, whose pockets are stuffed with money, whereas we are playing the youth card rather than the chequebook. I am rather proud of that.”
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer is ready to hand Newcastle a New Year fillip by returning to full training next week.
The former England captain has been out of action since damaging a thigh in mid-November and his absence has coincided with a dramatic dip in form on Tyneside.
Newcastle have gone five games without a win in the Premiership and in that period they have looked woefully short of attacking vigour. With Patrick Kluivert also laid low with a hamstring complaint, Craig
Bellamy has been asked to lead the line on his own and he has been woefully short of support of late.
