Henry sale has cost Arsenal title chance
Monday, 2 July 2007
LONDON, Jul 1 (AFP): Arsenal have no hope of challenging Manchester United and Chelsea next season for the English Premiership title after the sale of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba said.
Arsenal sold Henry earlier in the week to Barcelona for 16 million pounds and now Ivory Coast forward Drogba says that has played into the hands of champions United and his own Chelsea team.
Speaking to the News of the World, Drogba said: "The exit of Henry to Barcelona is good news for us -- it means that there is one less rival in Chelsea's way.
"And Arsenal have a serious problem because Henry's absence is a very complicated issue to resolve.
"For us this one rare change means it will be Chelsea and United fighting for the Premiership again."
Drogba scored the winner in last season's FA Cup final victory over United but despite finishing as the league's top goalscorer, he could not lead his side to the title ahead of United.
With Henry injured for much of the season, Arsenal struggled and finished more than 20 points off the pace.
Drogba has since been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with European champions AC Milan reportedly interested in signing him.
"Milan? What a good club, they are the champions of Europe. But I have spoken to nobody," he said.
"I only know what I read in the press but there is no problem with my contract with Chelsea. My deal is clear and no bother to me."
Arsenal sold Henry earlier in the week to Barcelona for 16 million pounds and now Ivory Coast forward Drogba says that has played into the hands of champions United and his own Chelsea team.
Speaking to the News of the World, Drogba said: "The exit of Henry to Barcelona is good news for us -- it means that there is one less rival in Chelsea's way.
"And Arsenal have a serious problem because Henry's absence is a very complicated issue to resolve.
"For us this one rare change means it will be Chelsea and United fighting for the Premiership again."
Drogba scored the winner in last season's FA Cup final victory over United but despite finishing as the league's top goalscorer, he could not lead his side to the title ahead of United.
With Henry injured for much of the season, Arsenal struggled and finished more than 20 points off the pace.
Drogba has since been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with European champions AC Milan reportedly interested in signing him.
"Milan? What a good club, they are the champions of Europe. But I have spoken to nobody," he said.
"I only know what I read in the press but there is no problem with my contract with Chelsea. My deal is clear and no bother to me."