Gael Clichy believes Thierry Henry's departure from Arsenal will force the club's young players to "grow up".

French full-back Clichy, 22, said: "Thierry was one of the greatest players ever to wear an Arsenal shirt, but now he is gone everyone has to take more responsibility and believe in our quality.

"His departure will make us grow up faster and fight even harder to get results - and we need to show that from the opener against Fulham."

And Clichy believes the Gunners can push Chelsea and Manchester United in the title race.

He added: "We can't hide behind being a young team forever - this is the year we have to turn that into winning trophies."