I hope Thierry Henry becomes Arsenal manager, but he may not be ready to succeed Wenger - Gilberto Silva

Arsenal legend: But it may be too soon for Henry to move into the dugout
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
James Benge15 November 2015

EXCLUSIVE

Gilberto Silva has backed former Arsenal team-mates Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry to find success in management, but doubts the latter would be ready to succeed Arsene Wenger.

Another former member of the Invincibles side, Robert Pires, had said earlier in the week that he believes Arsenal’s record goal scorer would the right man to take the reins at the Emirates when the 66-year-old incumbent moves on.

Henry has been coaching at under-19 level in recent months and has earned growing popularity among his young charges. Forward Alex Iwobi paid tribute to his mentor after a Uefa Youth League match against Bayern Munich, saying working with Henry was “learning from the best”.

Whilst Gilberto, who travels to London next week for the Street Child United Gala Dinner at the Emirates, has no doubt that Henry will be a success, he suspects that succeeding Wenger might be too much too soon for his former team-mate.

“Maybe one day he could be Arsenal manager,” he told Standard Sport.

“For Thierry when Wenger leaves be quite soon. Maybe he needs more time, but one day he can do it.

“He’s doing the right thing working with the youngsters, he’s learning day by day. He knows Arsenal.”

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Henry is not the only member of the Invincibles side to have worked in youth development. His former captain Vieira served as Manchester City’s head of training and youth development before this week moving on to take over the management position at sister club New York City FC.

Gilberto’s partnership with Vieira gave Arsenal the most formidable central midfield in the league, and the Brazilian expects his friend to apply the same determination he showed at Highbury to his new role.

He said: “Patrick is a smart guy with a strong personality. He’ll be a success in everything he does, for his character and attitude.

“He’s a winner; he’ll carry that for the rest of his life.

“I hope one days he returns to Arsenal. I cannot judge why he became so involved with Manchester City. He’s a big idol at the Emirates. It would be good to have him back.”

Street Child United

Gilberto Silva is an Ambassador for UK charity Street Child United, which uses the power of sport and the arts to challenge the negative perceptions and treatment of street children worldwide.

Gilberto will be a special guest at the 2015 Street Child United Gala Dinner on Thursday 19th November at the Emirates Stadium. Tickets are still available www.streetchildunited.org

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