Henry looks for 1,000 cherries on Arsenal cake
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-13 09:08

LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Arsenal captain Thierry Henry says his team are determined to win a trophy in the club's final season at Highbury before moving to the Emirates Stadium.

After 93 years at Highbury, Arsenal will begin next season at a new 60,000-seater ground at nearby Ashburton Grove which has cost 357 million pounds ($631 million).

Asked whether a team who are 24 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea could go out on a high, Henry told reporters on Thursday: "It's going to be really important.

"Obviously the league is going to be a massive task but we're still in the Carling Cup, we're still in the (FA) Cup and we've got an important game against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

"There are a still some things to look forward to, to bring some silverware back to Highbury. It would be the cherry on the cake to finish like that."

As for the club's hopes of winning the European Cup for the first time, the France striker said: "That would be 1,000 cherries on the cake. "It's difficult to predict the future... but I can assure you we're going to try our best to bring something back because obviously it's going to be extra special for the fans and the club history if we do."

Key to Arsenal's hopes in a season where the club have been dogged by injuries is the return of England defender Ashley Cole, sidelined since October with a foot injury.

"We miss Ashley really badly... we know what he can add to the team when he comes back," said Henry, who was speaking after the unveiling of a mural commemorating the club's history at Arsenal underground station.

Cole has frequently been linked in the British and Spanish media with a move to Real Madrid next season, taking over the left back role from Brazil's Roberto Carlos.

Responding to the speculation, Cole said: "I've signed for three years. It's been in every paper since the start of the season, there's nothing I can do. People are going to write stories.

"I've just got to get fit, that's my main aspiration at the moment and, of course, try to win things with Arsenal... and I'm looking forward to playing in the new stadium."

Arsenal have a League Cup semi-final second leg against Wigan Athletic, which they trail 1-0 after Tuesday's game at the JJB Stadium, and an FA Cup fourth round tie at Bolton Wanderers later this month. They take on Real in the Champions League knockout stage in February.