Thierry Henry moves to MLS
French Star Thierry Henry has decided to end his relationship with the Spanish club Barcelona and joined MLS side New York Red Bulls. The MLS has been looking for new recruits to help capitalize on a rise in popularity of the sport in the United States and after the moves of the likes of David Beckham, it is now the former Arsenal player who will be promoting the game there.
The 32 year old striker has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in the modern game, especially during his Arsenal days and has won everything there is to win. At the international level Henry has won the two biggest tournaments in the World Cup and the European Championships with France and domestically he has won the English Premier League, FA Cup with Arsenal and the Spanish La Liga, UEFA Champions League and Copa del Ray with Barcelona.
In a statement released by the New York Red Bulls, Henry said that he had signed what was described as a 'Multi-Year' deal. He went on to say that he was eager to help the New York outfit win their first ever league championship and that he had been looking for a new challenge after winning everything there was to win with Barcelona.
Henry will become another one of the 'designated players' an MLS side is allowed along with David Beckham and Freddie Ljungberg. This status means that these players are given a special status which permits a salary much higher than those of their team mates. This special status has been attacked in some media circles but since the MLS is trying to promote itself in the United States, attracting big name players in central to their goal and without offering high wages it is very difficult to do that.
Thierry Henry will most likely face a very familiar opponent when he makes his debut as the New York Red Bulls play none other than Arsenal's biggest and most bitter local rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs in a friendly game at their new stadium in New York. Although it will just be a friendly, Henry will still receive a hostile reception from the Spurs fans as he was responsible for a great number of defeats handed to the North London club while still playing with Arsenal.
Henry has had a very ordinary season this year, not featuring from the start in most of Barcelona's games and even when he played, his performances were mediocre at best. After the season was over it was clear that Henry would be leaving but with the World Cup to come, it seemed there was some chance for an improvement.
It was not to be, however, as France crumbled both internally and on the pitch and were knocked out without winning a game, with Henry one of players being blamed for creating problems within the French camp.
Regardless of how the season has been though, Henry's phenomenal talent cannot be questioned and in the Frenchman the New York Red Bulls have acquired a very accomplished player.
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