© EuroFootball.com
London's "Arsenal" coach Arsene Wenger stated that in 2006 the European footballer of the year had to become his protege, a forward for the French national team.
Next week the award for the best European player of the year, called the "Golden Ball," will be announced, with the name of the winning player. News has spread worldwide that this prestigious prize will most likely be awarded to Italy's national team captain Fabio Cannavaro, who became the World Champion this summer.
However, A. Wenger believes that his team, Arsenal's forward, played better this year.
"Congratulations to F. Cannavaro in that case. But there is only one candidate worthy of becoming this year's European player - that is Thierry Henry. He deserves it," A. Wenger stated on Friday.
"He became the best forward in England, only behind Luca Toni in Europe, the best player in England, he played in the Champions League and World Cup finals," the coach listed his protege's achievements.
The strategist also said that the only serious competitor for the Frenchman should have been the forward from Cameroon Samuel Eto'o of the "Barcelona" team and mentioned that T. Henry's achievements over the past five years should have guaranteed him at least one award.
"What does he need to do? Just keep trying. Sometimes we get rewarded when we least expect it. That's the sign of a great champion," added A. Wenger.
