The End of an Era: Henry Transfers
By Andrew McCarten,
TheSportsStand.com (6/25/07)
Arsenal and France superstar Thierry Henry made the biggest move so far this
summer by transferring from Arsenal to FC Barcelona for the equivalent of
$32 million. He passed his physical Monday and officially became a part of
the famous
Catalan club, where he has signed a 4 year contract. This move marks the end
of Henry’s prolific career at Arsenal, which transformed him from little
known Juventus striker to world superstar. In his Arsenal career he scored
226 goals, becoming the all time leading goal scorer at the club, and also
had international success by winning Euro 2000 and the 1998 World Cup with
France. He won the Premier League Title twice and the FA Cup three times, as
well as a silver medal in the UEFA Champions League, where he ironically
lost to Barca. Rumors of Henry’s departure to another club had been
persisting for some time, with both AC Milan and Barca declaring interest.
Henry was disappointed that close friend and former Vice Chairman David Dein
left Arsenal, and also that the club yet again finished a season without a
trophy. The squad currently features French players Lilian Thuram and Giuly,
as well as world-class stars Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldhino and Lionel Messi. With
Henry leaving, Arsenal will have to rely on young strikers Emmanuel
Addebayor, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott. The return of Jose Antonio
Reyes from his one season loan at Real Madrid will also add depth to the
strikers. Arsenal are rumored to be looking are former Gunner Nicolas
Anelka, Argentine and West Ham hero Carlos Tevez and young Dutch striker
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
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