Tomas Rosicky has backed Thierry Henry to return from injury and
have a "great season" with Arsenal - but admits the thought of
their talisman captain leaving the Emirates Stadium is "not
good".
The Gunners have once again had to deal with continued speculation
their most influential player is set to leave, with both Barcelona
and AC Milan said to be leading the chasing pack.
Henry continues to insist he remains "for the moment" very much an
Arsenal player - and even moved to dismiss a report originating in
France that a deal had already been done to take him to the Nou
Camp by declaring "my name is not up on the departures
board".
However, there is no doubt Henry's future now does not look as
certain as it did just over a year ago when he looked to have
pledged the remainder of his career to the Gunners in a new,
lucrative deal.
A series of niggling injuries robbed Arsenal of their key man for
large spells of the last campaign, as fatigue finally got the
better of Henry following a gruelling year with club and country in
2006.
Although the Gunners proved they can win without their talisman,
there is no doubt a fit Henry would once again inspire Arsene
Wenger's side for the battle to force themselves back into
contention for honours.
Czech winger Rosicky - who arrived last summer in a £7million deal
from Borussia Dortmund - knows full well the influence Henry has at
Emirates Stadium.
"He is captain and the most outstanding personality, it would not
be good," Rosicky said when questioned on the reports surrounding
the Arsenal captain's future by the Czech newspaper Sport.
"Thierry was not playing for a long time due to injury and now he
will come back. He rested and will have a great season.
"The same may be said about (Robin) van Persie. They both know how
to score goals and I think they might be stars of the entire
season."
The future of manager Wenger - who has just a year left to run on
his contract - has also been called into question.
The French coach, 57, however, has reiterated he has no intention
of walking away from the club just yet in the wake of the shock
departure of former vice-chairman and close friend David
Dein.
"The manager told us when we were leaving that he has a contract
for another year and that he will fulfil it and will continue in
the next season," said Rosicky, 26.
"This is all and I hope that it will remain the same."
Rosicky added: "We have an entire season in front of us, I believe
we will be successful and he will stay. I believe in it."
As speculation continues over the involvement of American
billionaire Stan Kroenke - who bought a 12% holding in the club -
Wenger will aim to focus the players on the task in hand when they
return for pre-season training next month.
Despite reaching the Carling Cup final with a youthful side, there
is no doubt 2007 failed to live up to expectations.
"As regards Arsenal, everybody has to classify the season as
unsuccessful, because we were eliminated from everything," said
Rosicky.
"However, we do not have to be ashamed for the football we
played.
"It is strange if you beat those who play for the title - we
defeated Manchester twice, we won three times out of four games
against Liverpool and drew twice with Chelsea - and then we failed
in matches against teams below us or playing to avoid
relegation.
"This is very frustrating. Of course we have a very young team, we
were better in many games we lost.
"We conceded stupid goals after corners or after free-kicks.
"These are things we have to improve. When we do, we will play for
the title."
Rosicky made a total of 37 appearances last season for the Gunners,
scoring six goals.
The Czech midfielder had, though, been linked with a move away, to
Atletico Madrid, after just one season in England.
Suggestions Arsenal are linking up a £6million move for Ajax winger
Ryan Babel will do little to quell speculation.
Rosicky, however, dismissed reports he was set for a change - and
insisted he was enjoying life in London.
"I was told it was published in newspapers. Nobody spoke about it
with me directly," the 26-year-old said.
"I am happy in Arsenal and this is the end of this story for
me.
"I have no reason to change anything. I want to stay in
Arsenal."
Wow,i hope he stays with arsenal
till he retires!
