This article was first published 19 years ago

Wenger hoping Henry will stay

May 09, 2006 18:13 IST

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he remains hopeful of keeping talismanic striker Thierry Henry at the London club next season.

"I cannot end the rumours. I've tried for a certain amount of time without success," Wenger told France Football magazine on Tuesday.

France striker Henry, Arsenal's all-time top scorer with 215 goals since joining the club in 1999, has been linked with a move to Arsenal's Champions League final opponents Barcelona.

"Do not forget Thierry is under contract until 2007," added Wenger. "I think the next two seasons will be his best. I hope it will be Arsenal who will benefit from this. Maybe everybody does not have this hope. I have it."

Henry, who scored a hat-trick to clinch fourth place in the league for Arsenal on Sunday, has said he would decide his future before the start of the World Cup finals on June 9.