Thierry Henry pays tribute to ‘father figure’ Arsene Wenger

Thierry Henry has described Arsene Wenger as a “mentor and father figure” as he prepares for his 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal.

Wenger is set to become one of only four men in the modern era of English football, including Sir Matt Busby, Ferguson and Dario Gradi to surpass the 1000-game landmark at one club.

Arsene is more than just a great manager to me because he was a father figure and a mentor

Arsene Wenger

And former Arsenal striker Henry was full of compliments for his ex-manager ahead of the Gunners’ crunch clash at Chelsea on Saturday.

“To reach 1,000 games for one club is an historic achievement, but not a surprising one. He is one of the very best managers in the modern game,” Henry told Sky Sports.

“I have been fortunate to play for some extremely gifted coaches. I had Pep [Guardiola] at Barcelona and he has proved that he is the best at the moment but Arsene is more than just a great manager to me because he was a father figure and a mentor.

“I will never forget his advice and guidance over the years and without him, I wouldn’t have achieved half the milestones in my career.”