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Thierry Henry was one of the most explosive players in the world in his heyday. He won the biggest prizes in the game and did it by entertaining football fans the world over.
He was a forward with blistering pace, outstanding skill and wonderful grace and poise.
Henry became an unstoppable force spearheading the attack of Arsenal – the most entertaining team in England at that time.
His career began in his native France where he was signed as a youngster by Monaco in 1990.
He made his first team debut in 1994 and was called up to the French international team in 1998.
Winning the World Cup on home soil
Thierry Henry
‘The Invincibles’
Football’s Greatest Players
In just three international games, Henry did enough to impress the French boss Aimé Jacquet and was named in the 22 man squad for the World Cup. Henry scored three goals during the group stage and converted his spot kick in the penalty shootout victory over Italy in the quarter finals.
However, at just 20 years old, Henry was used sparingly and failed to get off the bench in the final where France beat Brazil to lift the World Cup for the only time in their history.
His performance in the World Cup had, however, put Henry on the radar of the big clubs across Europe and he sealed a move to Italian champions Juventus. His time in Italy was unsuccessful though, as he spent his time either out of the team or playing as a wide man unable to showcase his skills.
Viewed as a failure, Henry was moved on the following summer to Arsenal where he was signed by his former Monaco boss Arsene Wenger for £11m.
“Thierry Henry could take the ball in the middle of park and score a goal that no one else in the world could score”. Arsene Wenger.
After taking eight games to open his account for the Gunners, Henry ended the season with an impressive total of 26 goals. Arsenal went on to finish second in the league and then lost on penalties to Galatasaray in the final of the UEFA Cup.
European Champions
By now Henry was an integral part of the French national team and helped France become European champions in 2000. He scored three goals in the finals including the equaliser in the semi final win over Portugal.
From then on it was just goals and trophies as Henry became the best player in the league and helped Arsenal win the Premiership twice and the FA Cup three times during his eight years in London.
Arsenal were unbeatable – Read more
Thierry Henry
‘The Invincibles’
Football’s Greatest Players