i am a long term arsenal fan who happen to believe la liga is the best league in the world. my favourite la liga team? you guessed it, barcelona. If henry leave the only team i want him to go to is barca. However i am very dissapointed with the tapping up of henry by barcelona. I always thought it was a club with more class than that. But as long as we have wenger(arsenal most valuable asset) i think we will be all right and will eventually find an even better player.

Why would TH want to go to Spain at all? It's full of racisct bigot supporters and teams who think being in debt is the way to run a business.

At least you say, 'if he decides to leave Arsenal.' I'm willing to bet you anything you like that he'll be at Ashburton for the grand unveiling in August. Hopefully, he'll also be parading the European Cup, having beaten the team who are desperate, but unable, to have him!!!!!!!!!!

to: dan [Visitor]
No Player is bigger than the Club. There will always be a time before and after great players. If he should leave Arsenal, he definetely makes the right choice.

to: SS [Visitor]
Let me think one second about your first question? Hmmm, I really have no reason why he should play with the finest players in the world with the Champions in front of 100,000 passionate fans. May be winning the Champions League (hopefully) is not enough but may be the sunshine and lifestyle. No, you are right, there is really nothing here that convince a football professional to play here.
Serious question, have you ever been in Camp Nou?

The racist card is very cheap. i have lived in quite a few places in Europe (also 4 years in London) and I have not seen much difference. But may be I missed something. whenever I was in Camp Nou I have not seen or heard an racist abuse. But may be, you should look at the comments on the blog made by Gooners , and you will not like this either, not when you are a real fan. By the way, the worst comments we had to delete because of racist or sexual abuse.

we always said, "if" he decides to leave Arsenal. You will not believe it anyway and you will rubbish it away, but there is evidence that he will leave. But we do not have to wait for long, the press conference will be called soon after the Final.
So, why not relax, enjoy hopefully extemely good football (may the better team win) and see what comes thereafter.

NEWS ALERT : PASCAL CYGAN HAS REPOTEDLY AGREED TO JOIN BARCELONA FOR £10M IN A 3 YEAR DEAL!!!

Henry will not be playing at the Nou camp. All you Barca fans who think he'll arrive in the summer must be dreaming. The Nou Camp is great, but the passion and atmosphere will not match Arsenals new Emirates stadium. He knows Arsenal will be back to their best next season and is already grooming his apprentice Theo Walcott(I already posted a blog about this 17 year old now selected for England and better than Lionel Messi and potentially better than Ronaldinho!!!!). So why would he miss out on the development of such promising players who will undoubtedly become world stars for the next decade, whereas Barca players will probably only last another 5 years max. I would like to re-iterate that Barca's defence is weak (apart from Puyol) and that Arsenal are quite capable of penetrating it. Barca have to come against the toughest defence in european football and remember we have Ashley Cole back meaning we have two roaming wing-backs that can soar past Gio and the crappy Oleguer. You're lucky that Walcott has been selected for Englands World Cup campaign, because he can destroy you. He is a carbon copy of Thierry Henry and you will see his talent at the World cup(he can run the 100m in 11seconds dead - faster than Henry and Ronaldinho). Arsenal attack from the left, but defend really well on the right with Gilberto, Eboue and Hleb, therefore Barca will find it tough. The key is the defensive duties of players in the middle of the park and Arsenal win hands down.

We will not be intimidated by a team that is allowed to play by their Spanish opposition. I see it every week. Players literally run backwards against Barca, but Arsenal will get in and steal the ball from any player.

I've warned you all about Thierry Henry. He has only started to hit form and is banging in even more goals. He is in the mood and will punish Valdes. He is the best finisher i have ever seen in a one-on-one situation and 99/100 he will come out on top.

But you told us months ago that Henry had already agreed to join Barcelona.

You're not quite so sure now are you?

Any truth in the rumours that David Dein has sent a specially prepared lasagne to the French hotel Barcelona will be staying at on the eve of the final...?

too bad rafael benitez is not at valencia anymore... and barcelona will be so arrogant...

To: Loaded [Visitor]
You mentioned that you blogged about Theo Walcott. So, can you tell me the name of your Blog, so I and also other visitors of FC Barcelona Blog can have a look at it?
I have heard a lot about young Walcott but to be honest, have not seen him playing yet. Did he ever play for Arsenal´s first team, or did he make it into the starting eleven?
If he did not make it in the starting eleven of Arsenal, what is he doing at the world cup? Not that you understand me wrong, I like the idea of giving young players a chance and let them play, but I rate AW very highly, so I guess when he is that good and ready, why does he not play right away. Only reason could be, because Arsenal´s starting line up consists of foreigners and England does not have better players, than him. I think with all the injury misery, England should have some experienced proven goalscorers in the team. What happens if Owen and rooney do not make it? Does England want to win the world cup with Crouch and Walcott? Hmmm, brave thing to do and very optimistic to think they can.
all the other stuff you write is a load of rubbish and is based just on the wrong facts.
Arsenal does not have by far the best defence in Europe and has surely not the best attack. If you would have looked at the domestic league table only, you would have realised that Arsenal finished 24 points less than Chelsea. Chelsea and Liverpool have conceded much less goals and Chelsea and Manchester United score more goals. From whatever side you see it, Arsenal is never top, which obviously shows the table. and I quote your catptain TH here: The table does not lie!!! You made it to 4th place this year which means you are not secure to play CL next year, you have to qualify first. What is, if you do not qualify?
Compared to Barca, who probably play in the strongest League in Europe (probably equal to Serie A in Italy) Arsenal has much less points, scored less goals and conceded more (but there are still 2 matches to play).
The better teams that are aboe you in the table, are out ol CL because they played directly against Barca (Chelski) or lost against Benfica (Man U and Liverpool). So, what are you talking about? The two less goals you received against FC Thun in the CL? Sorry, I have to laugh.
I guess you should sit down and make your homework first before you start your childish comments.
I am happy that you praise TH abilities, but we all know that (watch the video on the article). You do not have to be a rocket scientist to find that out. Therefore, Barca is keen on signing the player and "if" he leaves Arsenal, we know that he will play for Barca next year.

I am really looking forward to the final. There are no favourites in a Final and the match is only 90 minutes. After that, there is only 1 Champion and 1 Looser. That´s tough, but this is the game.
I just hope, the best team will win on this evening and I am quite sure who that best team is!
Hope you are a sportman and congratulate when Barca wins, I am sure that I receive loads of abuse if they do not!

To: ik [Visitor]
you are my favourite commentor! I really enjoy your posts. I am sure the others do as well.
But please do me one favour, use your brain before you write. Calm down and read the articles properly before you answer.
In any of our reports, we say "if" he decides to leave Arsenal, there is a verbal agreement with Barcelona in place. He will not go somewhere else, he will join FC Barcelona. Got it, now?!
By the way, the agreement can only be verbal and not written because of FIFA rules (before you start to have a go at the verbal agreement again). Logical, isn´t it?

But to answer your question: I am more than sure that he will play next year at Barca. Some time has gone by and things have developed further. Now, we do not only know that he will join Barca, "If" he is leaving. He will leave Arsenal and therefore join FC Barcelona.
The Club knows, the manager knows and even the clueless "Big Cheese" and Mr. "Orange Tan Man" DD knows (By the way DD´s son works for TH´s agent, he should know). Therefore the huge turnaround from, "Henry will stay, he has got a contract" to "We do not know his intentions". Be sure, his mentor Wenger, HW, DD they all know what their most important employee is going to do.
But all have been surprised by the fact that Arsenal plays in the final against FC Barcelona. A contract extension could be announced at any time and could even lift the moral of the team before the Final. A move to Barcelona can only be announced after the CL Final. Also logical, isn´t it?
About € 15 Mill. (too much for a player with only 1 year contract, but agreement is agreement and this is obviously the price to pay to secure his service) give you enough money to spent on a replacement.

We all have seen players turning around in the last seconds and retreating from deals, so there is no 100% yet, but a 99%.
Why should a player get a beautiful house on a hill with seaview near Barcelona? May be, because he just loves to relax in the sun for a few days before, during, after the premiership season? I doubt it!

I suggest, just calm down and wait for the press conference of TH after the Cl-Final. Then we will know! And after all the abuse, I hope you remember where you read it first!

Another thing: I doubt Barca would eat Lasagna in France. I guess they would have a bit more style and class. But what should have Spurs ordered in the East End? "Egg & Chips" or may be "Pie & Mash with Gravey"? I guess i would have preferred Lasagna. Even poisened, when it had to be!

As I said before, you are my favourite. Looking forward to hear from you again. Preferable after the eve of 17th of May. Can not wait to hear what you have to say. LOL!

To: Arsenal [Visitor]
Not sure what Benitez and Liverpool has to do with TH coming to Barcelona, but may be somebody can help me here?
I know I am retarded and I probably did not make it throuh elemantary school, like Eto´o. Therefore I need a bit of assistance here.

Henry's gone. Walcott is his replacement. Money raised will go on rest of ageing part of team. London is amazing. Pie and chips is great food. There is lots more racism in Spain - obviously. Premiership is best league in the world - it has it all - skill, tackling, pace and above all honour. Diving europeans should all be shot.

to: jok [Visitor]
I agree on the first part of your comment. But I disagree thereafter.
But I lived in London for a few years and in my opinion, it is not amazing. About the racism I do not share your view. Just look into the papers. Premiership football has become better (thanks to the diving European´s?) in recent years. As far as this issue is concerned, I think it was a Premiership manager who complaint about Arsenal fielding only foreigners! a lot of them European´s. I guess that the European Manager AW taught them all english skills. LOL!
Premiership is a better place since foreign managers and foreign players were brought in. Before it was not very appealing.
But no way, you can compare it with La Liga or Serie A.

Sven you don't know much about football. How is Spain more competitive than english league. Firstly Spain are the biggest under-achievers ever!!! (You want proof - they've never won the world cup - FACT!). Secondly Barcelona have and will always live in Real Madrids shadow - (9 european cups to 1 - FACT!). I've seen spanish football so much that it makes Arsenal rejects like Van Bronckhorst and Silvinho look good (just to mention that Edmilson and Van Bommel were touted as being Arsenal players, but were again forced to play in a league thats a little slower and therfore easier). As for Oleguer, he is the biggest pile of crap ever and can't defend for his life. He and Gio are gonna have a torrid time on tuesday against Hleb and Reyes. Barcelona are a great team, I'm not denying that, but you have to accept that like great teams of the past(e.g AC milan - bar this year & Liverpool), You do require a solid defence in Europe and Arsenal have displayed this on numerous occasions. OK they haven't become champions of England this season, but everyone can testify that injuries were our downfall and we had to draft in players like Flamini, Senderos and Eboue into the defence. Youngsters around 20 years of age that lack in first team experience. Arsenal were especially weakened around the time of the African nations cup when players were missing through international duty, which saw Arsenal go through defeats in the premiership. However they've stuck together through thick and thin and despite not always winning in England, they've always maintained their form in the champions league. Arsenal knew from the start that they would never win the title, but bringing in youngsters has quickly seen the development of some of the best young talent today (heading for the World Cup). What you are looking at is a refelection of the Ajax kids that won the CL in the mid 90's. They are fearless and have declared that they won't be intimidated by whoever they play . I must admit that the Arsenal of two years ago would have thrashed Barca's arse with their brand of 'total' football, but times have changed and injecting youngsters into the team has lifted Arsenal to new heights. We have recently come off the back of some great victories with a plenty return in goals.

Arsenal have won most of their champions league duels in the centre of midfield. If anyone knows how to defend against Ronaldinho , then it has got to be Gilberto. An Arsenal with no Henry and Cesc is better than a Barca with no Eto'o and Ronaldinho, simply because we have the best all-round wing backs in the world (Barca fans even if you don't agree with me on this one, then you will agree that they are better than Oleguer and Gio). Puyol is the only defender i rate. As for Deco and Iniesta they are very weak, Van Bommel is dopey, Motta who? Xavi is only just returning to form shows there is no physical side to Barca or at least nothing compared to Arsenals. Expect Arsenal to use the 4-5-1 against Barcas 4-4-2. Arsenals runners in midfield should control the game and will break down the wings via the Cole-Reyes or Eboue-Hleb partnerships then feeding Henry to take aim. Barca aren't organised enough. Rijkaard(which funnnily translates to sex chat in some language) is an average manager who has simply just thrown a group of players around Eto'o and Ronaldinho and have run the show in Barce for the past two seasons. Your manager doesn't come anywhere near to Wenger in terms of managerial expertise. Arsene Wenger has a clear structure and every player is used to their maximum ability and not trying to being something they're not.

I think Arsenal will shade the match 1-0 -(how great would it be for Bergkamp to score the winner). A tribute to DB10 for his sublime skill, Goals , elegance and service in the Arsenal shirt.

Valdes is also very weak and can't get into the spain team. You can't say much about Lehmann, because he has been one of the best keepers in England. (You Barca fans argument will again be about how many goals he's let in and forgetting how unfortunate Arsenal have been with issue already discussed.

If Barca give too much space to Arsenal, expect to be punished by a team that is faster than yourselves on the counter-attack.

Finally Sven (why don't you take a spanish name, not the england managers!)

Oh my god! How childish can you be? Where is the limit?

1. I am not gay and I will show my children how childish english, so called "football supporters" can be. Wow, wow, wow... I can not believe it.

2. How on earth can you write this crap about the Spanish League just 2 hours after Middlesborough lost 4-0 in the UEFA Cup Final? And Coach? the new England Manager! LOL
In the next line you mention yourself that Real Madrid won 9 European Cups and at the same time you are talking about the Spanish League as less competitive? Please, do us all a favour and think before you write!

Then, we were not talking about the Spanish national team. They are underachievers, absolutely correct, like England. They have won nothing, but absolutely nothing in 40 years.
But I guess you do not know: Catalunya is not Spain! (LOL)

For Real Madrid, you are right if you go back a long time. But if you would have read the FC Barcelona Blog properly you would have realised that Barca dominated La Liga for the last 20 years. Last 16 years = 8 Championship = 50%! Hmm, what do you think about this one? I let you figure it out yourself.
But you have a point on the European Cups. This is why it is the great desire to win the CL. May be not, but we will know on Wednesday night!

Where do all the real stars play? In Premiera Liga or Serie A. Just to give you a clue: How many Brazilian World Cup Winners play in England? Even in German Bundesliga play more.
You have one in your team but I do not feel that he is rated by Gooners how valuable and important he really is.
But it is true, the Brazilian World Champions do play mainly in Italy and Spain because they have an attitude and can not adapt to the skills, pace and speed in the Premiership. It is just enough to beat England and win the world Cup. Probably all divers!

May be I am retarded but I can still remember, not long ago that Barca kicked Chelski out of the CL. Money-Chelski who has got 24 points in the domestic championship, scored more and conceded less goals than Arsenal. They deserved the Championship because they dominated the english Premierleague and Arsenal behind Man U and Liverpool a disappointing 4th place (I heard the words somewhere: the table does not lie!). Barca showed consistently good performance and played great, spectacular football. How on earth can you expect that Barca supporters are not optimistic to win the Final. You would as well (but you are not in this position).
This has nothing to do with arrogance but confidence. Everbody knows that this is no guarantee to win the Final. The final is 90 minutes and performance on this day decides who is winner and who is looser. The chances are 50:50.
So, let´s see who takes it all on Wednesday.

Thanks for your great team analysis and I am sure that all football experts will agree with you. You convinced me that you have much more football knowledge than the next England manager! Therefore I suggest we should all put a petition in at the FA (of course, only if you are interested in the job) so you can become the next England Manager! Do not worry, you would not have to wait for a long time, McLaren will not last that long. I hope you have english nationality and you can creep in other peoples arses, combined with your inside knowledge and tactical understanding of the game you are nearly overqualified.

Hleb? Stuttgart is still pissing themselves of laughter how much silly money you can blow on one single player.

Lehmann? I still rate him as a very good goalkeeper but wasn´t it AW who put him on the bench and played no name goalkeepers instead last season. Oh yeah, forgot, Highbury-God AW did it to get the best out of him this season. I think "Jenius" got a lot of stick from the Gooners last year, but now you are all praising him. The memory of some Gooners, like you, is very short term orientated.

The Final is on Wednesday and the better team should win, but I am very optimistic. The only thing that I a bit concerned about is, when it goes into extra time or penalties because the only German plays in your team!

Looking forward to your comment next Thursday!