Thierry Henry to Join MLS
Major League Soccer is about to make a major announcement, after reports circulated early this week that French superstar Thierry Henry has decided to join the New York Red Bulls.
According to league insiders, Henry has snubbed inquiries made by other clubs with the biggest of them all being Manchester City. Thierry Henry, despite having a stellar first season with Barca, is now at odds with the club after his form dipped significantly due to injuries. Henry once took part in the legendary three-pronged attack of Barcelona with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o, but has since struggled with lesser playing time. And with the arrival of David Villa, it is expected that Henry will miss out on the Barca rotation all the more.
Keen to start a new chapter in his illustrious career, Henry is queuing up for a chance to showcase his wares in the MLS, particularly New York. Earlier reports have stated that Henry has always been excited about the prospect in living in another of the world’s great cities—and New York certainly fits the bill.
Should the transfer come to fruition, Henry will join a Red Bull side that is much improved this season and has a top class striker in Juan Pablo Angel. Henry’s arrival will also bring in another world class talent after David Beckham made Los Angeles his new home.
Just like the Englishman, Henry has spent most of his playing days at the English Premier League, particularly with Arsenal. During his stint with the Gunners, Henry amassed 233 goals and four English Premier League golden boot awards over 16 stellar seasons.
Henry also served as Arsenal’s main target man and inspirational leader during the club’s three FA Cup championship campaigns (2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05).
Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler confirmed last weekend that the former Arsenal and Barcelona winger is indeed expected to join the club, but stopped short of confirming that the Frenchman will be available for the Red Bulls match against Columbus.
“We don’t want to throw him out there in an away game against Columbus totally unprepared,” said Soler. “That would be unfair to him and unfair to the team. I think it’s better to wait and get him into the squad.”
Soler believes that the environment could bring out the best Henry once again. Even at the age of 32, the general manager believes that the Frenchman is still a potent striker and could give the side lots of dangerous looks when going forward.
Phoenix Suns guard and Vancouver Whitecaps minority owner Steve Nash echoes Soler’s sentiments, saying that Henry still has what it takes to command a team, take control of the pitch, and become a significant ambassador of soccer in the United States. Asked about Henry’s imminent arrival in the United States, the two-time Most Valuable Player of the NBA stated: "It's amazing that he's willing to come over at this stage of his career, to be honest. I think it's a big coup for the Red Bulls and MLS."
The Henry deal effectively kills Barca’s intention of using him as bait to land the services of Manchester City’s Robinho, who is currently on loan to his boyhood club Santos.
The Henry transfer will certainly sound some major shake-up in US football, and will look to make the sport even bigger in the country. The U.S. football squad turned some heads during the recently concluded 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, after the team made a surprise appearance at the Round of 16 of the said tournament.
With a big name like Thierry Henry, football—no, scratch that... soccer will hopefully become an even bigger draw for a basketball-crazy country like the United States.
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