Vieira warns Gunners over Henry
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes the Gunners may have to show they can match Thierry Henry’s ambitions with a recruitment campaign if they want the France international to sign a contract extension.
Vieira admitted he was tempted away from Highbury to Juventus because he saw a better chance to win the Champions League.
The Gunners have yet to find a direct replacement for the midfielder, who warned Arsenal that Henry – a world and European champion with France – needs to be reassured he can enjoy similar success at club level.
Vieira told BBC Five Live: “Thierry, I know that he’s talking to the club about a new contract. I think when you want to keep your best players you have to bring some new ones.
“To do well in Europe you need to have a good team. A few years ago at Arsenal we had a really good team but we didn’t play well enough to win a European trophy.”
Henry has been linked with a move to Barcelona, although there is no indication the striker wants to leave Arsenal.
However, Vieira – who was perennially reported to be close to a move to Real Madrid – was eventually persuaded to join Juve when the Gunners did not resist the Italians’ £13.75m (€20.2m) fee.
He said: “I came back from holiday and there was an offer from Juventus and the club didn’t refuse and I didn’t refuse as well so that’s why I’m here. You always want to go somewhere you can win what you didn’t last year.”
