Although doubts about Thierry Henry’s sportsmanship continue to persist, one man who has played such an important role in Arsenal’s past glories insists that the Frenchman should be forgiven.
Dennis Bergkamp believes Henry is a man of good character, and has called on the football authorities to give referees more power so a similar incident does not occur in future.
“Thierry is a great guy and he didn’t mean to do it,” Bergkamp told Goal.com UK.
“I know him personally and professionally and he has always been a gentleman.
"The problem here is that referees need to be given more power and should be allowed to consult with players when they are in doubt and ask them about exactly what happened. If this was the case, this whole episode would have been over and done with by now.
“Sometimes you do things in the heat of the moment and it doesn’t sink in until later and you ask yourself just why you did it a while later. But footballers are only human after all.”
The ice-cool Dutchman, who enjoys legendary status at Arsenal after spending more than a decade with the club, believes the current crop of youngsters personify exactly what the Gunners are all about. He singles out Arsene Wenger’s management style and the flair with which Cesc Fabregas plays his game as dominant factors in Arsenal’s resurgence.
Bergkamp said: “Arsene Wenger has developed youngsters like Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie into great players.
"He has many players in the ranks; both in the first team and some even younger who you can say are much more than just the future of Arsenal Football Club; they are capable of taking the club forward for many years.
“Arsene Wenger has instilled many physical aspects of the game into Fabregas who was already a very good passer and player. What is frightening is that he is now experienced and has become one of the best players in the world.
“But you have to remember that he worked hard for it, he went out and listened to what Arsene Wenger told him. Youngsters need to listen and learn, and not dictate to the manager. Style and passion coupled with experience is the Arsenal way.
“I don’t know how Arsene Wenger does it, but he eats and sleeps football and his management style is very hands on. Where he finds the time to do everything, I don’t know.”
Bergkamp is adamant Arsenal can go that extra mile and win a significant trophy this season. He expects them to be there or thereabouts, in the race for the Champions League and Premier League titles.
He said: “Arsenal’s players are enjoying playing and the dressing room is united.
"They will push hard for the Champions League and the Premier League titles, make no mistake about it. They are capable of winning, why not?
"It is important for people to realise that this Arsenal team has not hit its peak yet, and with a few possible signings in January, they may just surprise Chelsea and Manchester United and the big European teams.”
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