Henry Signs For Barca?

[Jockstar]

Henry signs for Barcelona

Thierry Henry tonight appeared to be on the brink of leaving Arsenal for Barcelona.

Sources close to the Spanish club have declared a four-year deal has been signed for the France World Cup winner.

Henry, the most influential player in Arsenal's history, admitted the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein last season had been unsettling for everyone at the club.

It now looks as if the brilliant forward is set to call time on his eight-year stay in north London.

Manager Arsene Wenger will have no doubt tried to convince his talisman to remain at the club, confident they could again compete for honours both at home and abroad.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...822&cc=3436

[EastSaxCol]

Probably a shrewd move by Wenger. Similar to off-loading Vieira just after he'd peaked.

[2long]

But not shwred enough to do it a year ago for double the money.

He'll be missed, but it can't be changed.

Maybe ANOTHER year or more before we're winning again.

[EastSaxCol]

But not shwred enough to do it a year ago for double the money.

He'll be missed, but it can't be changed.

Maybe ANOTHER year or more before we're winning again.

If Henry wanted to stay at least another season then that was his mistake. As far as Wenger is concerned, he wasn't to know about his injuries and slip in form or Henry's reaction to Dein's departure. I'd be very suprised if Barca get anything like the return on what they've spent.

I reckon that the Arse iwill be ok next season. But as long as we take another six points of you then I couldn't really give a monkey's.

[Torv]

----------------Eto'o--------------

Ronnie-------Henry---------Messi

Ha! <deleted> heII!

Weird, you can't say hel_l? That's a bad word?

[2long]

Have your 6 points.

What else can you cheer about?

[Jockstar]

'Why Barca? They play the Arsenal way' - Henry

Thierry Henry has claimed he would only have left the Emirates Stadium for Barcelona - because they play 'the Arsenal way'.

The France striker is on the verge of clinching a reported £16million move to the Nou Camp after finally deciding his time in north London must come to an end.

Henry is due in Catalonia tomorrow after the two clubs agreed the terms of the deal, with the Gunners claiming earlier today that just a medical and the 'completion of formalities' stand between the move taking place.

In an open letter to The Sun, published this morning, the 29-year-old claimed uncertainty over manager Arsene Wenger's future was a major factor in his decision to leave the Gunners, and also cited the departure of former vice-chairman David Dein, a close personal friend of Henry's, as another reason to quit for Spain.

Henry has tonight expanded on the logic behind his prospective move, and insisted Barca's footballing philosophy means it is his only possible destination after Arsenal.

'I left Arsenal to go to Barcelona because, no disrespect to any other team, but there are only two teams in the world who play football the way I like it,' he told the official Arsenal website.

'That is the way the people here like it - the Arsenal way.

'That is how we play football here and `we' play football there.

'If I can say that is one of the is the main reasons for (choosing) Barcelona. The football they play is attractive to watch.'

Henry's apparently certain departure has come as a massive blow to the club and its supporters, who are still raking over the ashes of another disappointing season.

A fourth-placed finish in the Barclays Premiership for a second season running failed to meet expectations, while there was no consolation to be found in the cup competitions where a final defeat by Chelsea in the Carling Cup was as good as it got for Wenger's men.

But Henry believes Gunners fans have every reason to be optimistic despite his decision to jump ship, and is adamant the talent is already there to fill his sizeable boots.

The former Juventus and Monaco frontman compares the situation now facing Arsenal to that encountered in 2005 when former captain and midfield lynchpin Patrick Vieira left for Juve.

Cesc Fabregas emerged immediately as a world-class replacement and was central to a run to the Champions League final the next season.

And Henry believes history will repeat itself in his wake.

He continued: 'The team here is growing and there is some amazing talent here and I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner, who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine.

'Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that's the way it is.

'When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn't agree with it, everyone started saying `who needs Patrick Vieira'?

'I don't believe what everybody is saying about the club collapsing, having a lack of players and everyone leaving. I think it is untrue.

'Cesc Fabregas is a world-class player, Robin van Persie is a world-class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world-class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world-class player, Jens Lehmann is a world-class player, (Kolo) Toure and (William) Gallas are world-class players. You can go through the whole squad like that.'

Henry described choosing the switch to La Liga as 'the most difficult decision of my life' but reiterated his discontent over the managerial and boardroom uncertainty at the Emirates.

He said: 'Before Mr Dein left, for whatever reason, I went to the boss and said `I don't want to leave'.

'There had been a lot of speculation about me and I assured him that I did not want to leave.

'But after Mr Dein left that unsettled the team and the boss. Especially as at the moment he has not committed himself to the club.

'He said he will see out his contract but you cannot be sure if he is going to go or stay (at the end of next season).

'Hopefully he is going to stay but I need to be certain and reassured of that. Everybody knows I am 30 (in August).

'The boss being unsettled, Mr Dein going, it did unsettle me a bit. After that I had thoughts of leaving the club.'

If, as expected, Henry agrees terms with Barcelona it is believed the Spaniards hope to unveil their capture on Monday.

[Jockstar]

Henry's Barca move turns spotlight on Wenger

Arsene Wenger's future has been thrown into fresh doubt after Thierry Henry claimed the Arsenal manager's refusal to sign a new contract was the main reason he is joining Barcelona.

Talismanic captain Henry was today on the verge of a £16million move to Spain, with the Gunners confirming only a medical and other formalities had yet to be completed.

Wenger's current deal expires at the end of the forthcoming season and, although he has vowed not to walk away from Emirates Stadium before then, he has avoided making any commitment beyond that.

Henry, 29, has been a disciple of Wenger since their days at Monaco 15 years ago, and he fears his mentor will quit next summer.

In an open letter to supporters published in The Sun, the France striker said: 'Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

'Unfortunately and understandably, he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season.'

Henry, Arsenal's record scorer with 226 goals in 364 games over his eight seasons, has already expressed his disappointment at the acrimonious exit of vice-chairman David Dein and insists he cannot risk losing Wenger as well.

He added: 'I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein.'

Ironically, Wenger may feel the same about the departure of Henry, who he converted from a struggling winger into one of the most feared forwards in the world after bringing him to the club eight years ago.

The studious Frenchman has earned a reputation as one of the most astute talent-spotters in the game, creating a conveyor belt of outstanding young players which has in turn allowed him to replace many of the Arsenal's big names.

But it is no secret he saw Henry's vast experience as vital to helping nuture much of that talent.

Lacking the financial muscle of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, Wenger would have also been able to use his captain to attract players to Emirates Stadium.

Many of the Gunners' transfer targets may be dissuaded from joining if they believe both Henry and Wenger will not be at the club from next summer.

World Cup winner Henry has reportedly agreed a four-year deal with Barca.

The Spanish club's vice-president Ferran Soriano confirmed last night talks were at an 'advanced' stage.

He revealed it was 'the wish of all parties' for an agreement to be reached and Henry could be presented as a Barca player on Monday.

Soriano admitted recent big-money transfers in Europe dictated how much it would cost his club to take the striker - who turns 30 in August - to Catalonia.

'There is a certain inflation in the transfer fees with respect to last year,' Soriano told Catalan radio station RAC1.

'We can check it [the Henry deal] with the signing of Ribery for Bayern (£17million) and those of Nani and Anderson, who are 18, for Manchester United (£34million).

'There are players who last year cost 10million euros (£6.7million) and now they cost 15million (£10.1million).'

Henry added: 'This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do.

'Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there.

'But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin.

'They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club.'

Barca later released a statement saying they expected to agree personal terms with Henry 'in the next few hours'.

[EastSaxCol]

Have your 6 points.

What else can you cheer about?

Well not the near cardiac arrest that last seasons roller-coaster ride brought anyway. It tests the loyaly when you support a team like West Ham. And we've been more than tested and proven over the years. It takes nothing to follow a team guaranteed of at least some success, but an awful lost of passion to stay with one that hasn't.

It's a relief that we can now sit back and watch the beginnings of a West Ham that doesn't have to sell our best and can afford to bring in the best (although at over inflatated prices and obscene wages). Just as long as we don't become another Chelski and our fans no more than glory hunters, then I think that there's going to be a lot to cheer about.

I have to add , that I feel priveleged to have had the opportunity of seeing something of the magic of Thierry Henry a his best. If only we can hang on to Tevez for even a while...

[lazeeboy]

Have your 6 points.

What else can you cheer about?

Well not the near cardiac arrest that last seasons roller-coaster ride brought anyway. It tests the loyaly when you support a team like West Ham. And we've been more than tested and proven over the years. It takes nothing to follow a team guaranteed of at least some success, but an awful lost of passion to stay with one that hasn't.

It's a relief that we can now sit back and watch the beginnings of a West Ham that doesn't have to sell our best and can afford to bring in the best (although at over inflatated prices and obscene wages). Just as long as we don't become another Chelski and our fans no more than glory hunters, then I think that there's going to be a lot to cheer about.

I have to add , that I feel priveleged to have had the opportunity of seeing something of the magic of Thierry Henry a his best. If only we can hang on to Tevez for even a while...

henry was a great player for a while ,but i think its all down hill from now on for him and arsenal

[MiG16]

Arsenal will still triumph

thankyou vewy much

[farangutan]

Wenger has been proven right time and again. I think Van Persie will surprise a lot of people...

The most important thing now is that Wenger signs an extension. I am a lifelong Gooner and in my opinion the most important player at the club is now Fabregas. As we all know he is keen to go back to Barcelona at some point, and I fear that couldbe sooner rather than later should Wenger not sign an extension over the next few weeks.

Come on Wenger - finish the project that you have started! Lets get back on top!

Henry will do ok at Barca, but he will never recapture the form of 3 years ago....

[Torv]

I don't know what you mean by VP surprising a lot of people, that kid is alreay extraordinary.

If you talk about Ade, then I can agree with. If he becomes a good Henry replacement, then that'd really surprise me.

[Globeliner]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

[EastSaxCol]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

Well rumour has it that Wenger is an admirer of our Marlon - and he's up for a transfer

[Torv]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

Well rumour has it that Wenger is an admirer of our Marlon - and he's up for a transfer

That's surprising, I thought he's in for Ryan Babel.

How much is your boy going for?

[Jockstar]

Wenger sends good luck message to Henry

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Thierry Henry joined Barcelona today with his blessing.

Henry completed his £16.1million move to the Nou Camp this afternoon, bringing down the curtain on an eight-year spell in which he became the club's leading scorer and lifted the Premier League title twice.

Wenger told Arsenal's official website: 'It was Thierry's decision to leave Arsenal but he goes with my blessing. On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish him the very best for the future.'

The France striker, who arrived from Juventus for £10.5million in 1999, scored a stunning 226 goals for the Gunners and was a key part of the side which went unbeaten in the league in the 2003-04 season.

Henry also collected two FA Cup winners' medals, won the Premier League `Golden Boot' four times and was voted the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year twice the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year on three occasions.

And Wenger believes there is no doubt the 29-year-old will go down as one of the all-time greats to have played for the north London club.

He added: 'Thierry has been tremendous for us since he arrived in 1999. He has excelled both as part of a team and individually. In short, he has become an Arsenal legend.

'Personally, I would like to thank Thierry for the huge contribution he has made to the club's success over the past eight years.

'To his great credit, he has mixed skill and style together with an appetite for winning.

'This wonderful combination was integral to our historical 49 games unbeaten run and all the honours he won at Arsenal, together with Thierry becoming the club's record goalscorer - an achievement which in my view is unlikely to be surpassed.'

[EastSaxCol]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

Well rumour has it that Wenger is an admirer of our Marlon - and he's up for a transfer

That's surprising, I thought he's in for Ryan Babel.

How much is your boy going for?

I don't really expect that Wenger will go for Marlon Harewood - but stranger things have happened.

But wer'e holding out for £5ml. Expect that he'll go to Birmingham, Fulham or the suchlike.

[lazeeboy]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

Well rumour has it that Wenger is an admirer of our Marlon - and he's up for a transfer

That's surprising, I thought he's in for Ryan Babel.

How much is your boy going for?

I don't really expect that Wenger will go for Marlon Harewood - but stranger things have happened.

But wer'e holding out for £5ml. Expect that he'll go to Birmingham, Fulham or the suchlike.

henry with barca ,who will stop them now

[Torv]

Prehaps since his departure, an ENGLISH STRIKER could benefit from it?

Well rumour has it that Wenger is an admirer of our Marlon - and he's up for a transfer

That's surprising, I thought he's in for Ryan Babel.

How much is your boy going for?

I don't really expect that Wenger will go for Marlon Harewood - but stranger things have happened.

But wer'e holding out for £5ml. Expect that he'll go to Birmingham, Fulham or the suchlike.

henry with barca ,who will stop them now

Liverpool...with machine guns. :cries:

[MiG16]

I just saw Henry on TV in his new barca outfit

I know I said Arsenal will still do great...even without Henry.....and I know we will....but still he will be missed........

but I suppose thats part of watching football huh......I thought I was devastated when Overmars stopped playing for Arsenal....or more recently when Bergkhamp retired...sighhhh....but well new players replace them....the team continues .......and of course many of the players will be remembered more for their time with a certain club than with others...I believe Henry will be remembered for the time he played with Arsenal

[Torv]

Of course MiG.

He didn't do well anywhere else.

[EastSaxCol]

Of course MiG.

He didn't do well anywhere else.

At least were able to see him play at his peak in the UK. It often grieves that the can't be said for Liam Brady. He was at his best playing for Juve.

[MiG16]

Henry leaves......

The former captain made a massive contribution to the Club since moving to Highbury from Juventus in August 1999.

During his time at Arsenal, Thierry became the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals from his 370 appearances. He was also an integral part of the 2003/04 ‘unbeaten’ League season, won the Premiership twice, the FA Cup twice, the Premiership ‘Golden Boot’ four times, was voted the PFA Player of the Year twice and won the FWA Player of the Year on three occasions.

source: Arsenal.com