Arsene Wenger has revealed that he
convinced Thierry Henry to stay at Arsenal in the summer by
promising to groom a new generation of superstars in North
London.
The Gunners captain was believed to be close to signing for
Barcelona but his young team-mates' brave display in the UEFA
Champions League final defeat to the Catalans convinced him to stay
in England.
Now Wenger - who has reiterated he is unlikely to make any
headline-grabbing signings in the summer - says he is determined to
deliver on the promise he made to Henry.
The continued development of Arsenal's youngsters has been a bright
spot in an unsuccessful season for The Gunners, but Wenger has told
the club's fans that greater things await his precocious
squad.
"I said to him [Henry], 'Believe in me. We don't have superstars
here except you but believe me they are on the way'," Wenger said
in the Daily Star Sunday.
"Like me he saw what was happening at this club. We don't need to
add another superstar, we make them.
"Trophies are important, particularly to fans, but we are adding
more than just trophies, we are producing a club that everyone is
going to admire.
"I don't expect to sign any big names this summer, unless they want
to play here at the right wage.
"My first priority is to ensure the next payment for our stadium is
paid and after that achieving our dreams.
"My message to the fans is don't panic. We will get
better."
