Thierry Henry Retires: Why He’ll Probably Always Be My Favorite Player(Thanks For All the Memories)
If for some mind-boggling reason you don’t already know, Thierry Henry retired today.
The day was then filled with a non-stop stream of, well-deserved, tributes to the former Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, New York Red Bull and France legend. After my initial selfish response upon hearing the news(as I wouldn’t get to see my favorite player show some magic on the pitch anymore) and a long, important, personal day, I’ve decided to add my two cents.
It won’t be long, not because I don’t have a lot to say but probably because I have too much and I don’t want to ramble on. (Plus, I’m sure a lot of what I will say is said in some way in the many articles below)
No player, and I mean no player, could match the mixture of power, skill, passion, pace, intelligence and composure of Henry. (Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fans can stuff it, though, I respect both players greatly).
Who can forget that flick and volley versus Manchester United(my favorite goal of his, and maybe all-time), the steam-rolling run versus Real Madrid and the hat-trick against Liverpool?
One thing I keep asking myself when I consider watching Henry is this. Has he ever, ever scored a bad goal? Sure, there may have been “poacher” goals but that still requires positional sense and composure to finish. Has Henry every just bundled one in? I don’t think so.
His drive to win, which did lead to the unfortunate Ireland incident, was fun to watch as was high expectations for his teammates. His assists are an afterthought but he did have a few good ones. Quite simply, the man was a genius.(Now that I think about it, I probably subconsciously preferred my socks up high when I played in order to emulate the No. 14)
Mr. Va, Va, Voom is most well-known for his time at Arsenal, and that’s obviously where I latched unto him but he’s proven elsewhere that he’s well worth all the praise. Sure, there was petulance and a somewhat overbearing nature(at least for some, I was fond of it) but one cannot deny that he didn’t deserve to win everything he won internationally and in the club game.
So, look below if you want to be nostalgic and read about all facets of the legend’s career. I know I will. Youtube videos, and that “Legend” documentary will be replayed again and again this weekend.
Enjoy
Where does Thierry Henry’s legacy fit into the pantheon of French football?
Top Tenner: Thierry Henry moments
Footballers react to Henry’s retirement
Thierry Henry’s magic at Real Madrid in 2006 an example of his greatness
Premier League heroes: Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry’s Impact on Arsenal and the Premier League Will Never Be Forgotten
10 Greatest Moments in Arsenal, Barcelona, France Star Thierry Henry’s Career
Twitter Reacts to Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry’s Retirement Announcement
Why Thierry Henry Will Go Down as the Greatest Striker in Premier League History
Thierry Henry: The next James Bond? I have no pretensions of being an actor
How ‘washed-up’ Henry achieved his brilliant Barça revival
Hopefully, we’ll be back on track with more regular postings soon. Still getting adjusted to this new schedule. Thanks for all memories Thierry Henry.
Until next time.
Always Thinking Football 