Soccer: Gunners will benefit from Adams' decision: Wenger
Arsene Wenger has backed Tony Adams' decision to retire from international football.
The Gunners defender believes at the age of 34 he owes it to his club not to add further strain to his injury-prone body.
That commitment has come as welcome news to Wenger, who insists his skipper will be a hard act to replace for Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Wenger said: "It's a wise decision for him, health and body wise.
"Even if you have no problems with your health it is a very demanding job now to play at international and club level. And Tony has had some health problems.
"If he'd carried on, he would have had to play another two years because of the World Cup and that may have been a little bit much.
"Arsenal will benefit from it. Tony has gone through a lot of pain in his career for both club and country because he is such a committed player.
"But it is a blow for England because his tactical knowledge and abilities will be missed.
"I've said before that to find a replacement for Tony at club level is impossible and it will be the same for England. He is a one-off."
Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp echoed the thoughts of his Highbury boss.
The Dutchman told icons.com: "I see that my Arsenal team-mate Tony Adams has retired from international football to focus his energy and attention on Arsenal.
"Having made the same move myself after Euro 2000, I can imagine that Tony would have thought very hard before taking this decision.
"What is certain, though, is that England have lost the services of an exceptional character and player.
"I really rate Tony and did so even before I came to Arsenal.
"During Holland's qualifying campaign for the 1994 World Cup, I scored at Wembley after outfoxing Tony and remember feeling immensely proud of myself for beating such a great defender.
"Tony should feel pretty proud too for the fantastic service he's given his country."
Arsenal's French utility player Gilles Grimandi has suggested this season may be his last at Highbury.
The 30-year-old midfielder or defender - never a Gunners regular - believes he has another three years at the top but revealed he wants a new challenge.
He told The Mirror: "All I will say is that I'm looking at lots of options. Maybe I'd like a new challenge, a new culture and play in a new country."
