"I haven't been here for very long, I'm only starting my third season. Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires are in their second season, and Lauren and Ashley Cole are just starting. We form a kindred group and we need to build for the long-term. I hope that we're set for a long run together."

See the Guardian for more quotes. Particularly poignant are Henry's comments on last season's Cup Final. "This Cup final, I will never swallow. There was a hand of fate that changed the entire encounter. After this match, I was criticised. Since then, I have tried to concentrate more on my centre forward role."

...and to great effect. People are already talking about the possibility of new records being set by our Tel this season. When David Dein spoke, a couple of years ago, of Henry overtaking Ian Wright's Arsenal goals haul, I was one of those who raised an eyebrow. But now it really just looks to be a question of whether he stays here any longer than his current contract.

The Grauniad also carried an interview with Vieira on Saturday. Paddy seems to be telling all and sundry these days that he's happy at Arsenal too.

"All the ambitions I have, in my mind I know that I can achieve them at Arsenal. When you see them keeping the manager, wanting to build a 60,000-seat ground, wanting to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe, wanting to win things - that's the ambition I have. And it's Arsenal's, that's why I don't see any reason to leave. I believe in the club... I have three years left on my contract and I want to be part of that. "

"Arsenal have given me a lot since I joined the club. I hope I have given them the same. I've achieved so much since I joined, I feel I have a responsibility to them. I feel really happy, really comfortable at the club, the people I work with, the players, the fans. The spirit and atmosphere at the club is really good."

Some turnaround since the summer. The difference between then and now is that people have actually seen and heard Patrick speaking these words.

And with Robert Pires saying the same kind of thing, Arsène's Arsenal appear to be building a cosmopolitan and world class backbone.

Maybe "The three musketeers" is a bit obvious. I prefer "Paddy and the Likely Lads".

Rupe adds...
Meanwhile, in another interview in French sports daily L'Equipe, Henry pays homage to Raul and Pires. Responding to Wenger's comment that Henry could be "the best of the best", Thierry says, "I cannot answer things like that. I will never consider myself the best. Personally I've always admired Raul and I have the impression nobody speaks about him the way they should."

And on our Bob, "It's hard to be on the wing or to be like Robert, who is the best passer in the premiership. You have the impression that he is happier to pass than to score himself. It's the least I can do to finish the job."