Before he moved to Arsenal from Juventus, Henry was wasting his time as a winger who knew he had more to offer. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger converted him into an all-around attacking talent who would beat defenders with pace and skill, then finish it with the sort of goal that had even rival fans applauding.
He was considered one of the top three players on the planet. But there was always something bugging him.
Elusive Crown
Although Henry helped the Gunners win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups on top of the World Cup and European Championships he captured with France, Europe’s most prestigious prize for clubs stayed out of reach.
Despite Henry’s standout performances, the Gunners couldn’t transfer their domestic form onto the European stage. Even though Arsenal qualified for the competition year after year by finishing either first or second in the domestic league, they failed to make a big enough impact in the Champions League.
Home Alone
Henry scored a club record 226 goals in 364 appearances for the Gunners. But he believed that Arsenal, who had a reputation of being mean when it came to spending money in the transfer market, weren’t ambitious enough to complement his skills with big-name stars who could take the weight off his shoulders.
When he eventually helped Arsenal reach the Champions League final in 2006 and the Gunners led Barcelona in his home city of Paris, it seemed he had reached his goal. But Barcelona hit back with two late strikes for a 2-1 victory and Henry was thwarted again.
Never Satisfied
Before that game at the Stade de France, Henry gave an insight into what drives him. “You see it when I have that grumpy face on the pitch,” he said. “Everything comes from my dad (Francois), the way I play, my desire, my commitment. I was taught never to be satisfied with what you have.”
New Hope
Now he feels he has a better chance with Barcelona. The Spanish giants were hurt by losing the title and needed something to cheer the fans. Henry’s $32 million arrival to Nou Camp is just what they need.
The fact that he has left Arsenal after eight great years in which he captivated fans, suggests he feels he has done all he can with the Gunners.
He was upset that Patrick Vieira left two years ago, yet remained committed. But vice-chairman David Dein’s departure seems to have changed all that.
Henry move to spark Spanish bazaar
London: Thierry Henry’s deal with Barcelona could prompt a spree of transfers across Europe. With the Frenchman joining Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o in one of the greatest strikeforces ever assembled, Barca are likely to let some quality players go.
Real’s answer to Henry? Kaka
If striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is released, he reportedly is keen on a return to the English Premier League and clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle might be interested.
Despite beating Barcelona to the Spanish league title, Real Madrid might also react to Henry’s arrival by pulling in some big stars. Club president Ramon Calderon has already said he wants to pry Kaka from Italian giants AC Milan.
Calderon also said on Friday that there could be sweeping changes at the Bernabeu from coach Fabio Capello down. If the Italian doesn’t stay, Calderon says Madrid could go for Arsene Wenger, Ronald Koeman or Michael Laudrup as a replacement and that would mean big changes to the squad. - AP
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