It's been some time since I last wrote, but the hectic schedule of mid-term exams is getting more and more hectic. I sincerely hope I'll be able to cover all the games over the festive period.
Anyway, with the Liverpool game isn't due till Sunday, we get the chance to discuss Thierry Henry and his retirement. The Frenchman posted the message informing the wider circles of his retirement on his Facebook page and, obviously, it reverberated through the footballing society. It's understandable, as Thierry had a long and truly remarkable career. Even during his four years with New York Red Bulls the Frenchman was still in fine form, netting 52 times. And even despite MLS not being the most competitive league, 52 times inside four years is a respectable number for someone in his thirties.
A lot of Arsenal fans (me included) hoped Thierry would return to Arsenal in some capacity or another, but that didn't happen. Instead, the Frenchman will be joining Sky Sports as a pundit and will become the highest-paid one (with a whopping £4 million per year salary). He's said he's not ready to coach Arsenal in any role as of now, but will definitely like to do so in the future. Hope it's true.
The role of a pundit still suits Thierry fine, in my opinion. He's intelligent enough to not produce some meek and incoherent bleating the way Carragher does now and, of course, the idea of having someone defending Arsenal and Arsene on TV is exciting. We've been the subject of (mostly) unfounded attacks down the years, it's about time someone stood up for us in the media.
And of course, in the light of Thierry's retirement, a lot of articles have been (and will be) written on his greatest moments, goals, quotes and the like. Some recall his brilliant goal against United in 2004, for many his goal at White Hart Lane (the celebration of which is cast in bronze now) will remain the Frenchman's top moment. His quote aimed at Mourinho definitely makes my top five of Henry's greatest ever achievements, but I'd like to single out another moment. The moment that, for me personally (though I'm sure I'm not alone here) shows the deep bond Thierry has with the Club.
I'm talking about the Frenchman's strike against Leeds United. It was the beginning of January, 2012. Our performances in the league left a lot to be desired, we've been knocked out of the Carling Cup and, despite topping our Champions League group (with Borussia in it) were pinned against Milan. The toughest team available. The Italian giants loomed on the horizon as we embarked on our short-lived FA Cup run.
We were playing out a 0-0 draw with Leeds after 67 minutes when Henry stepped onto the pitch to a tremendous applause from all corners of the Emirates. And he didn't do a lot for the next nine minutes.
On his 10th minute, however, all of it changed. Thierry escaped his marker on the left, his run was spotted by Alex Song and from here I'd like to go with the commentator:
"Song. Finds Henry. Well, that's like a fairytale, isn't it? This is amazing, amazing I say. Such things happen only in movies. Everyone knows who the hero is. Everyone is waiting for him. And he comes on. And proves that he is the hero with a simple heroic act.
Goal. The first one. Upon a return from a break which lasted five years. A goal for his home team. Scored by Thierry Henry."
Of course, the commentator bellowed all of the above, but still there was one thing he failed to mention. A thing, which is the most important to me. Henry's joy. The joy of a footballer scoring an important goal is rather commonplace, but Henry's joy was something more than that. It was the joy of scoring for the team you love.
First you see the brief flash of disbelief on Henry's face. Then, as understanding dawns on him, you see the endless joy. He spreads his arms in an attempt to hug every Arsenal fan inside the Emirates. Then he sprints to Arsene Wenger, his manager, his mentor, a man, who made Thierry Henry a legend. Henry's happiness at repaying Arsene's faith can only be match to that of Arsene's joy. And then the finishing touch of the celebration. Pointing to the badge and then to his name on the back of the shirt. A moment of true magic.
And this is how I will remember Henry. As a man completely devoted to the Club, a man who (unlike, say, RvP or Suarez) is always willing to help his Club in any way he can. A man who is ready to make his enormous talent serve the higher purpose.
I hope to see you return to Arsenal one day, Thierry Henry. And I have faith you will.
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)
Anyway, with the Liverpool game isn't due till Sunday, we get the chance to discuss Thierry Henry and his retirement. The Frenchman posted the message informing the wider circles of his retirement on his Facebook page and, obviously, it reverberated through the footballing society. It's understandable, as Thierry had a long and truly remarkable career. Even during his four years with New York Red Bulls the Frenchman was still in fine form, netting 52 times. And even despite MLS not being the most competitive league, 52 times inside four years is a respectable number for someone in his thirties.
A lot of Arsenal fans (me included) hoped Thierry would return to Arsenal in some capacity or another, but that didn't happen. Instead, the Frenchman will be joining Sky Sports as a pundit and will become the highest-paid one (with a whopping £4 million per year salary). He's said he's not ready to coach Arsenal in any role as of now, but will definitely like to do so in the future. Hope it's true.
The role of a pundit still suits Thierry fine, in my opinion. He's intelligent enough to not produce some meek and incoherent bleating the way Carragher does now and, of course, the idea of having someone defending Arsenal and Arsene on TV is exciting. We've been the subject of (mostly) unfounded attacks down the years, it's about time someone stood up for us in the media.
And of course, in the light of Thierry's retirement, a lot of articles have been (and will be) written on his greatest moments, goals, quotes and the like. Some recall his brilliant goal against United in 2004, for many his goal at White Hart Lane (the celebration of which is cast in bronze now) will remain the Frenchman's top moment. His quote aimed at Mourinho definitely makes my top five of Henry's greatest ever achievements, but I'd like to single out another moment. The moment that, for me personally (though I'm sure I'm not alone here) shows the deep bond Thierry has with the Club.
I'm talking about the Frenchman's strike against Leeds United. It was the beginning of January, 2012. Our performances in the league left a lot to be desired, we've been knocked out of the Carling Cup and, despite topping our Champions League group (with Borussia in it) were pinned against Milan. The toughest team available. The Italian giants loomed on the horizon as we embarked on our short-lived FA Cup run.
We were playing out a 0-0 draw with Leeds after 67 minutes when Henry stepped onto the pitch to a tremendous applause from all corners of the Emirates. And he didn't do a lot for the next nine minutes.
On his 10th minute, however, all of it changed. Thierry escaped his marker on the left, his run was spotted by Alex Song and from here I'd like to go with the commentator:
"Song. Finds Henry. Well, that's like a fairytale, isn't it? This is amazing, amazing I say. Such things happen only in movies. Everyone knows who the hero is. Everyone is waiting for him. And he comes on. And proves that he is the hero with a simple heroic act.
Goal. The first one. Upon a return from a break which lasted five years. A goal for his home team. Scored by Thierry Henry."
Of course, the commentator bellowed all of the above, but still there was one thing he failed to mention. A thing, which is the most important to me. Henry's joy. The joy of a footballer scoring an important goal is rather commonplace, but Henry's joy was something more than that. It was the joy of scoring for the team you love.
First you see the brief flash of disbelief on Henry's face. Then, as understanding dawns on him, you see the endless joy. He spreads his arms in an attempt to hug every Arsenal fan inside the Emirates. Then he sprints to Arsene Wenger, his manager, his mentor, a man, who made Thierry Henry a legend. Henry's happiness at repaying Arsene's faith can only be match to that of Arsene's joy. And then the finishing touch of the celebration. Pointing to the badge and then to his name on the back of the shirt. A moment of true magic.
And this is how I will remember Henry. As a man completely devoted to the Club, a man who (unlike, say, RvP or Suarez) is always willing to help his Club in any way he can. A man who is ready to make his enormous talent serve the higher purpose.
I hope to see you return to Arsenal one day, Thierry Henry. And I have faith you will.
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)