image: tvnz.co.nz

Thierry Henry's decision to commit his long term future to Arsenal (he's signed a new four year contract) has wider implications for the future of the club. Arsenal were always a big team, but not quite big enough for the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Patrick Vieira, who moved on to the grander stages of Real Madrid and Juventus respectively. Henry's long term commitment may be motivated by love rather than ambition, but it does wonders for the Arsenal brand. Add this to their impressive Champion's League performances and the new 60,000 seat stadium and Arsenal look all set join the very elite.