Henry aims to sacrifice wages to further the Highbury cause

THIERRY HENRY declared that he would join Patrick Vieira in sacrificing wages for the prospect of further success with Arsenal when they commit their long-term futures to the club.

Arsene Wenger is confident the French duo, along with compatriot Robert Pires, will sign new contracts before next February.

However, Arsenal’s financial situation until they have built their new stadium, coupled with uncertainty within the game as a whole, means the club have had to set a ceiling on their wage bill.

Wenger, nevertheless, believes that Vieira and Henry will abide by those limits during ongoing discussions over new deals.

Although they will not take pay cuts as such, both players know they could earn far more in wages at big-spending clubs like Real Madrid.

However, Vieira has just revealed his strong desire to stay at Highbury as he believes that further success is only just around the corner.

And speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League tie at Auxerre, Henry added: “I feel exactly the same way as Patrick.

“Arsenal gave me a hand when I was down and I don’t want to walk away from that. If I had not made that move from Juventus, then I would have missed out on something great here.

“Even more now, it’s amazing how much we enjoy ourselves out on the pitch. As long as Arsenal want me, I will never walk away from the team.”

On the question of wages, he added: “Sometimes you must sacrifice things for the sake of the team and I will do that. You could earn more at another club but be on the bench or not enjoy yourself on the pitch, and not be with people who really care about you.

“Money is important, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the most important thing. When you’re on the pitch, you are not thinking about how much you are earning, but about winning and playing well.”

Vieira, who has just under two years left on his contract, is similarly committed to the Arsenal cause, especially because he believes the team are growing together.

The midfielder, who joined from AC Milan in 1996, said: “The relationship between me and the club is really good. I can see myself being here for years to come.

“I love this club. This is where everything started for me. They have given me so much and I want to give back what they have given to me.

“You have to remember this is a really young team. All of us want to improve a lot and we know we can achieve something fantastic.”

Vieira revealed that contract talks had been postponed for the time being as he wants to be “focused during a busy period of matches” but they will resume soon.

He also said: “I am taking part in talks to find a common ground in extending my contract and I cannot see any reason why I shouldn’t stay.

“For me, it would be a much stronger feeling to win the Champions League with Arsenal than with Manchester United or Real Madrid.

“I have started from nothing, and to win the greatest of all trophies with this club would be extraordinary. Arsenal have shown their attachment to me.

“It is an ambition to make my mark in the history of the club and to be one of its great players.

“When I come back to watch a game in 10 to 15 years, I know people will remember what I’ve accomplished for the club.”

Wenger is certainly impressed with the attitude being shown by his leading players, who can all expect to earn less than the likes of Roy Keanes and David Beckhams.

He declared: “I think they’ll make a sacrifice. They are well paid already but we will respect our wages structure.

“When players express their desire to stay, the financial issue is a strong one. They are world-class players and you must pay them as world-class players. It’s a minor problem though.

“Patrick is the new leader and he’s growing from game to game as the captain. I believe he feels that the club are showing the right ambition and that he can win things with us.”

The Arsenal boss is also looking to persuade Dennis Bergkamp to extend his career at Arsenal beyond this season.

He revealed: “Dennis has not yet made up his mind about the future. He will make that decision in April or May next year.

“Of course, I will try to persuade him to stay, but you have to accept that a player like Dennis must listen to his feelings and his desire.”