sport8 | NYB

Au revoir mon ami. C'a été un plaisir !

But back to the premiership for a brief résumé of Henry's career. In July 1999 Thierry Henry was a barely used winger with Juventus. Often on the bench, and very unhappy. Arsene Wenger, seeing this unhappy young winger he moved in and tempted Juve with a $21million offer which they gladly snapped up and of to Arsenal he went.

Probably henry's best season was 2002-03. He scored 42 goals in all competitions and led Arsenal to another FA Cup triumph.

The 2003/04 season was a spectacular one for both Arsenal and Henry. The club won the league title by going 38 Premiership games without defeat while Henry scored 31 goals in 42 games.

A milestone for the Arsenal club was achieved in October 2005 as he broke Ian Wright's scoring record of 185 goals to become he club's all-time topscorer.

In 2006, whilst he hoped to win the Champions League in his home city of Paris, a late show from Barcelona resulted in a 2-1 defeat.

The 2006/07 season was a particular disappointment for Arsenal, but - as usual - there were moments of pleasure for Henry, such as his last-minute goal in the 2-1 win over Man Utd.

Thierry Henry scored 226 goals in 364 games, for Arsenal with 174 in the Premiership alone. His contribution to English football will long be pleasing to me.

by South Park Charlie,
NewYorkBrits

YES, IT TRULY HAS BEEN A PLEASURE to watch Thierry Henry light up the English Premiership game. Well, let me qualify that... it was a pleasure to watch him, except when he was playing against my team, Manchester United. Then you kinda hoped he'd miss the team bus, get [mild] food poisoning, anything, just so long as it stopped him playing.

However, it must have been news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading. Thierry Henry has agreed to join Barcelona for $32 million. As unsurprising to the supporters as it might be, the current Arsenal is a club in transition once more, and a club that has failed to match their captain's ambition. Barcelona were simply a more attractive prospect. As a player he still yearns after the one trophy, the one accolade that has eluded him throughout his career, a Champions League winners' medal.

I guess the news has been the worst kept secret in football that the Catalan club were interested in the Frenchman, as they were before the start of last season, but even they would not have expected to get their man for only £16million. If ever there was a bargain in the footballing world, Barça got the cream.

A year ago, even with a price tag of around £30million / $60 million there was still talk and transfer rumours swirling around the tabloid press and the sports world. For one of the world's best players this was to be expected; yet this last season - 2006-07 - has seen him reduced to injury after injury, playing in only 17 games. However, he still managed to knock in the winner against United, just to prove to prospective buyers he still had 'it', that devastating touch and turn of speed that caught out so many defenders in the premiership these last six seasons or so. Nevertheless, his stock dropped considerably.

Some in Spain consider £16million a bit pricey for a 29 year old player dogged by injury last term, but we know, the fans of all the other team in the English league, the Catalans have got themselves a bargain. Barcelona's only problem is where Henry will fit into the team, [don't you wish your team had that kind of problem...]? Barça already has the amazing talent of Argentinian Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and of course Mr Cooperative himself, Samuel Eto'o, all competing for places. Frank Rijkaard must be laughing over his tapas.

Fresh-faced kid from Paris, lords it up with his countryman.

newyorkbrits.com