Henry makes Gunners pledge

Thierry Henry has pledged his immediate future to Arsenal in the wake of reports that Chelsea and Real Madrid are interested in the France striker.

Henry was pipped to FIFA World Player of the Year award by international team-mate and Madrid ‘galactico’ Zinedine Zidane.

But the former Juventus star has no intention of leaving Highbury in pursuit of greater rewards.

Henry said: “As long as people are happy with me at Arsenal, I want to stay there.

“Arsenal gave me a hand when I was down and if I am among the last three players alongside Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, it is thanks to them.

“I want to feel priceless for them and them to be proud of me.

“I don’t really know what is happening in the background with the transfers and money, but I know what I want, and both me and Arsenal are on the same line.”

Henry is determined to break the Real Madrid monopoly on the award despite losing out to Zidane this time.

The prestigious prize has now gone to a Madrid player for each of the past three seasons, with Zidane following Ronaldo in 2002 and Luis Figo the previous year into the record books.

Zidane also won it in 2000, when he was a Juventus player.

But Henry has set his sights on the accolade after seeing his compatriot win it for a third time.

“I am not disappointed because I had not set it as a goal to win this award,” said Henry.

“I am second and that is rather great to know that I am between ‘Zizou’ and Ronaldo.

“However, I am a fighter and I will try to get it next year by being more consistent throughout the season.

“I have always wanted to be recognised for what I do on a pitch and the fact that this reward comes from the national coaches is excellent.”