Last Updated: 31/05/17 9:18pm
Thierry Henry insists the time has come for Arsene Wenger to win the Premier League again after extending his stay at Arsenal.
Months of speculation and unrest was brought to an end on Wednesday as Wenger signed a two-year contract extension at the Emirates Stadium.
Having been appointed in September 1996, the new deals ensures Wenger will stretch his tenure with the Gunners into a 23rd year.
Not surprised by the contract renewal, Henry believes “only time will tell” whether the decision is vindicated, and has challenged his former manager to end the club’s 13-year wait to be champions.
“I said two weeks ago he was going to stay and I wasn’t wrong,” Henry told Sky Sports News HQ.
“People were talking to me about announcements today, but the announcement would have been if he was leaving.
“But he is not leaving, the board have assessed the situation to see if it was the best for the club. There is nothing new for me or at Arsenal. For 21 years – and now the 22nd and 23rd – he will be here.
“As an Arsenal fan, and as a guy who had Arsene as a coach and have maximum respect for him, I’m happy to see him at the club. But time will tell (if the decision is correct).
“They finished the season strong, although they have done that before. Raising yourself for the FA Cup final, to beat one team on one day is one thing. To do it over 38 games is a different story.
“Everyone is waiting for the title; the club, the players, the fans and Arsene himself.
“That’s what I want to see because raising your game for one day is one thing, but everybody is waiting for that to be done over 38 games.”
Henry played an integral role in Arsenal’s last league triumph, scoring 30 goals as the Gunners went the entire 2003/04 campaign unbeaten on their way to the title.
Asked what his former club need to do to emulate his ‘Invincibles’ side, the Sky Sports pundit added: “I can only go with what Wenger is saying. He says the team is good enough.
What must Wenger change?
As Arsene Wenger stays at Arsenal, what needs to change?
“He might buy one or two players having, as he’s claimed, created a dynamic to win the title finally. But I’ve heard that before, and the year before, and the year before.
“Hopefully a change in system might be the thing that helps them win the title next year.”
