By Billy Rodgers
The illustrious career of Thierry Henry has finally come to a close. Henry is an icon in the sport of soccer and his passion was unmatched and unrivaled. Henry once said, “I eat football, I sleep football, I breathe football. I’m not mad, I’m just passionate.” His class was also apparent, whenever he stepped foot on the pitch. He created many timeless moments for clubs such as Arsenal, FC Barcelona, and The New York Red Bulls.
Henry officially announced his retirement from professional soccer in December, which sparked players, clubs, fans, whomever, to honor the man who is Thierry Henry. The sheer support and gratitude Henry received was unprecedented, showing the effect that he had on so many people world-wide. From young players like Chuba Akpom (19 year old Arsenal striker), who saw Henry as his idol and his inspiration. To former clubs, like Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, who thanked the striker for all his contributions to their club and to the game of soccer. Some players were even thankful that they were lucky enough to play on the same pitch as Thierry Henry. Henry will continue, and always be an icon, an ambassador of the game, in whatever he does in the future. Below are some of the reactions of players, fans, and clubs alike.
The amount of support Henry received was due to his consistency, brilliance, and loyalty, shown each season. Henry has had ups and downs in his career, but when he was at his peak, he was unstoppable. Let’s look back on a few of Henry’s most memorable moments, that allowed him to now be dubbed, King Henry (in no particular order).
Champions League Goal vs. Real Madrid: This strike has to be one of Henry’s and Arsenal’s most famous goals. This famous goal helped Arsenal beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Bernabeau (Real Madrid’s Stadium), and Arsenal became and still is the only English team to beat the Spanish giants on their own ground. This moment lives in the memory of almost every Arsenal fan.
Goal and celebration vs. Tottenham: Another one of Henry’s most defining goals, he scored a brilliant solo goal against bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, and proceeded to run almost the entire length of the field to slide on his knees right in front of Tottenham fans. This moment is now cast in bronze outside of Emirates stadium for everyone to see.
Comeback goal vs. Leeds: After leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, Henry returned to Arsenal years later on loan and scored this winning goal in his first appearance back for the club.
Goals vs. Manchester United: Henry was always known to score some of the most top class goals against Manchester United. Here are some of the most famous. His volley from outside the box will always stand as one of the greatest goals ever.
Final Day at Highbury: Henry capped off Arsenal’s illustrious history at Highbury with a hat trick against Wigan Atheltic in Arsenal’s last ever game at the ground. He proceeded to kiss the pitch afterwards, a sign of respect to the field he had made so many memories on.
One thing is for certain, Thierry Henry will go down as one of the most formidable, passionate, and prolific goal scorers to play the game. No one should ever forget the sheer impact he has had on many people. Even with Henry now retired, his timeless goals will be forever remembered.
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