Arsenal in Turmoil as Henry Leaves
Barcelona Capture Gunners Captain - David Dein's Gone - Wenger Next?
Arsenal's summer of uncertainty continues as captain and record goal scorer Thierry Henry signs for Barcelona. David Dein has already left. Is manager Arsene Wenger next?
Thierry Henry is finally leaving Arsenal. For the past number of summers speculation has been rife that the Arsenal captain and record goal scorer would be signing for Barcelona or one of the other top European clubs.
In the past the combined persuasive powers of the influential David Dein and manager Arsene Wenger have always saved the day and Henry has committed to another spell at the north London club. However, this time, after their previous failed attempts, the Spanish giants who finished second to Real Madrid in the Primera Liga title race, have secured the signature of their man.
David Dein’s departure towards the end of last season is seen as a big factor in Henry deciding to leave Arsenal. He missed much of last season through injury and at times his relationship with manager Arsene Wenger has been strained and with the increasing uncertainty about the manager’s future at the club, now was the right time to make a fresh start.
Wenger has said that he will stay with Arsenal to the end of his contract but that has only one year to run so creating further speculation on his future plans.
Henry has had a very successful time at Arsenal and his goal scoring exploits have done much to bring the club success in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and in Europe. At times Arsenal relied heavily on his goals to bring them success, especially in European competition. In the 2005-06 season, Henry’s goals were an integral part in Arsenal’s success in reaching the final of the Champions League where they lost to Barcelona.
Arsenal struggled to build on that success last year and although comfortably in the top four of the Premier League, they failed to challenge Manchester United or Chelsea in the title race, lost in the Final of the Carling Cup to Chelsea and went out of the FA Cup and Champions League at an early stage. For Arsenal who have become accustomed to success, this was a very disappointing season.
Thierry Henry has been at Arsenal for eight years and he is going to Barcelona in a four year deal that is expected to be valued at £16 million.
Barcelona and Henry had both indicated that a deal was imminent but it has now been confirmed by Arsenal, subject to Henry passing a medical at the beginning of the week.
Thierry Henry's Career:
Arsene Wenger has had a huge influence on Henry’s career. It was under Wenger’s coaching at Monaco that Henry first came to the attention of the football world as a winger. After France’s success in the 1998 World Cup, Henry signed for Juventus but after an unsuccessful time there he joined up with his mentor at Arsenal. His first season in London was far from spectacular but then it took off and he became a vital goal scoring element in Arsenal’s success.
Arsenal won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup on three occasions. They also reached the final of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League.
Henry scored a club record 226 goals in 364 appearances, being the only Arsenal player to score over 200 goals
After two seasons when Arsenal have struggled to make an impact at the top of the Premier League, Henry’s departure will bring further uncertainty to the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger has lost his ally off the field, David Dein, who ensured the manager’s voice was heard in the Board Room and his ally on the field, Thierry Henry, whose skills brought continued success to the club.
How long will Wenger stay? He must be feeling isolated and will he have the desire to build a new team at the club and with the uncertainty about his future will the top class international players that he needs, want to come to Arsenal?
