Why Henry Decided To Stay

I thought Thierry Henry had already made his mind up about whether he would stay at Arsenal, I just didn't know which way.

First of all and most importantly.

It is a major and much needed boost for Arsenal.

Secondly.

It is a boost for the game. Henry is a unique talent, he has a long list of potential suitors, Henry could easily have earned much more money by making a high profile move to a glamour club. Like Barcelona.

Too many players are interested in money, are given poor advice by agents and move for the wrong reasons and live to regret it. Step forward Shaun Wright-Phillips.

It is important, in the context of today's game and the way players appear to be bigger than their clubs, for football. I just hope other players, who no doubt admire Henry, follow suit.

Henry is staying because, the bottom line, he loves the club.

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger took a gamble on him when he was at a cross roads in his career, his life.

Arsene and the club made him feel at home, helped to nurture his talent, helped him fulfil his potential, had faith in him and made along with Thierry Henry made Thierry Henry a world class player.

Arsene had faith in Henry and believed in his ability when Henry did not.

Arsenal gave him stability, he settled in well and his confidence and influence in the team grew. Henry now has earned the ultimate freedom to express himself on the pitch. If Henry went to Barcelona he would not be the sole conductor.

His life is settled, he has a family, and his private life is private. In Spain football is like a soap opera. Henry would effectively have no private life, he would be owned by Barcelona and used and manipulated as a marketing tool.

Basically Henry has the best platform to be able to concentrate on playing the best football he can.

Henry is a legend at Arsenal, he is the club's all time record goal scorer, he is worshipped by the fans, his team-mates and the media. It would be a massive gamble for a player, who if he continues his progression and maintains his unerring consistency, and possibly wins the European Cup at Arsenal, will go down in history alongside the very best that have ever played the game.

It would be a massive gamble to leave and have to start making that legend again.

Bergkamp, Adams and the other senior players helped a raw, young Henry to develop into what he is today. Henry must feel he owes that to the younger players at the club at present.

Henry will also lead Arsenal out in the new stadium, which will be the best in Europe and will place Arsenal among Europe's elite.

Arsenal may well need a new signing or two to compete with Chelsea.

The fact remains Thierry Henry will be the best signing Arsenal could make.