Bergkamp and Pires

Thierry Henry’s symbolic gesture of kissing the Highbury turf has done nothing to stem the growing tide of speculation that he will be leaving Arsenal, despite his insistence that he was merely saying goodbye to the stadium which has seen his rise to greatness.

Indeed, the speculation is such that two other very important players tended to be overlooked. Dennis Bergkamp’s substitute appearance was his last at Highbury in the season that marks his retirement and Robert Pires’ modest wave might also be interpreted as a farewell, not just to the supporters but to the club.

Arsene Wenger has described Bergkamp, rightly, as a genius. It is an accolade that might also be attributed to Pires and Arsenal can ill afford to lose two such players at the same time. Hopefully, a compromise can be achieved which will allow the gifted Frenchman to remain at the club, not only for the quality of his football but for the undoubted benefit his presence will bring to Arsenal’s promising youngsters.