Henry urges Adams to stay on

Thierry Henry has urged Arsenal's Tony Adams to extend his glorious career and insists the double-winners must not dismantle their all-conquering squad.

Adams, the 35-year-old defender, will enjoy a testimonial match against Celtic at Highbury on Monday night before taking time out to contemplate retirement.

With fellow defender Lee Dixon having played his last game for the club, Gilles Grimandi also on his way out and media reports suggesting Martin Keown could join Newcastle United, Henry called for unity.

"You need to keep the squad together if you want to carry on in this way," the France striker, who finished as the English premier league's leading scorer this season, told reporters.

"If you sell players then it's going to get difficult.

"I don't think that will happen but I'm just saying that it shouldn't. It's going to be tough next season but that's the way I think we can go forward.

"You can't say that you don't need Tony Adams as he's a match-winner.

"He always wants to win. That's the most important thing and he's a great skipper as well."

Adams has been at Arsenal for 19 seasons, while Dixon, 38, called time on his competitive career in the 4-3 victory over Everton on Saturday.

Grimandi, the French utility player, is being released by manager Arsene Wenger, who said last week that he "could not afford" to lose too many experienced players.

CONTRACT OFFER

Goalkeeper David Seaman will be offered a new contract and Arsenal are hoping that Patrick Vieira will be true to his recent word and stay in north London.

Henry and Seaman paid tribute to Adams and Dixon, who helped Arsenal win the championship in 1989, 1991, 1998 and this year.

"You have to give them credit as they've been through the bad days as well here," said Henry.

"What can you say about them both -- when you have won the title in three decades, you just have to say 'well done'."

Seaman added: "Tony knows what's right for him (in the future).

"Tony has made his decision and only he knows how he feels after games.

"He's a fantastic guy. I'm so proud to have known him and seen what he's gone through. He's come out the other side with so much dignity and there's no other captain I would rather have in front of me."

Adams is being tipped to retire, which means that Monday's match -- in which Dixon will also feature alongside former Arsenal greats -- should be an emotional occasion.

LAST TO LEAVE

Dixon, who joined Arsenal in 1987-88, was the last to leave the Highbury pitch on Saturday.

He even admitted that this season's triumph rivalled 1989, when Arsenal went to Anfield and got the 2-0 victory they needed on the last day of the season to finish as champions.

"This is probably the best memory," he said.

"Beforehand, I've always said Anfield '89 as you can't beat that night -- but this is right up there.

"I couldn't have timed retirement any better. I always know when it's time to leave a party and it's time to go.

"I had a chat with the boss on Friday. I'd made the decision at the back of my mind and just needed pushing over the edge really. He did that! He told me that it would probably be too much for me to play at this level next season.

"I'm a bit relieved, a bit emotional. I thought I was going to burst out crying at the final whistle (on Saturday), I was certainly filling up a bit.

"I don't know if Tony will carry on. We've had a chat and he's not yet made his decision.

"As for me, I can't see myself being a coach but in six months' time, I might be knocking on Arsene's door saying, 'Get me a job somewhere!'"