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."
claus
even though i m no arsenal fan... i hav respect for wat wenger is doin at arsenal. if man utd bor win the league next season... i hope arsenal is the one
felirox
Yeah i agree with AW actually. All arsenal need is to improve their finishing. they do not need any more strikers. Just let the strikers train their finishing.