Hleb who set up Emmanuel Adebayor's stoppage-time clincher against Blackburn, said: "Our defenders would get the ball and straight away their eyes would be searching out only Henry.

"A lot of people forgot they could take the game on themselves as well.

"Of course, Henry is a great player and part of the history of the club. But at the same time his departure helped the younger players break through and feel like leaders."