It wasn't an easy decision but the Arsenal icon wanted something that the club couldn't give him so he made the transfer happen with a drop in his pay packet
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has revealed the genuine motivation behind his surprising exit from the Emirates Stadium in 2007 – and maintains it wasn't about finances. The Frenchman concluded a silverware-filled eight-year stint in north London when he departed the Gunners for Barcelona in a transfer valued at approximately £16million.
By the time of his exit, Henry had already established himself as an Arsenal legend courtesy of 226 goals in 370 matches, two Premier League crowns and a pivotal contribution to Arsene Wenger's iconic Invincibles squad. At the time, numerous fans believed the switch to Spain was money-driven, with the striker signing a four-year contract with a reported yearly wage of £4.6m.
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Yet Henry maintains something far more significant influenced his choice. The 48-year-old shared these remarks during a face-to-face conversation with Rio Ferdinand on the former Manchester United and England defender's YouTube channel.
The duo were talking about Lionel Messi when Henry unexpectedly disclosed why he departed to link up with the Argentinian genius at Barcelona nearly two decades ago. "Competing is above everything," he stated.
"I love, love, love, love, love, love Arsenal, but competing is above everything for me – especially competing in training. It is above everything and people always say, 'Ok, you love, love, love, love Arsenal, so why did you leave?' I say, 'I love my family, but I left my house.'
"Because competing is key. I didn't know if I was going to start. I was excited. I was told I wasn't going to start [...] Competing is everything – when I don't compete, I'm not the same."
Henry then revealed he accepted a wage reduction to join Barcelona, much to the astonishment of Ferdinand, who had likewise presumed that the FIFA World Cup 1998 winner had been lured by a handsome salary package from the Catalan giants.
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Following his arrival, Henry initially found consistency elusive and even admitted to the media he was missing life "back home" in England. But circumstances soon improved for the Paris-born star, who forged a lethal partnership with fellow forwards Messi and Samuel Eto'o.
The trio netted more than 100 goals combined in the 2008-09 campaign, steering Barcelona to a historic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. In total, Henry netted 49 goals for Barcelona during a three-year stint before departing to New York Red Bulls in the summer of 2010.
Peaabeoty
0
He’s fucking lying, the guy left because he couldn’t stand Ronaldo dominating over him and his shit Arsenal in every competition. So he run to Barcelona ! LOL Not even close to legendary status for me but a coward player
The Ronaldo you know as today. Have you forgotten in 2005 where he cooked him and Arsenal at Highbury. Since then Henry became a coward and a hater of the GOAT 🐐
ticekmptuz
0
same to van persie, he also wanted to compete. they were brave enough
did he win champion league? no
ticekmptuz
0
He’s fucking lying, the guy left because he couldn’t stand Ronaldo dominating over him and his shit Arsenal in every competition. So he run to Barcelona ! LOL Not even close to legendary status for me but a coward player
abeg talk true which Ronaldo by that time
Peaabeoty
1
He’s fucking lying, the guy left because he couldn’t stand Ronaldo dominating over him and his shit Arsenal in every competition. So he run to Barcelona ! LOL Not even close to legendary status for me but a coward player
Yh you’re right tho but I’m very certain of what I say and you can see it in his words and reaction each time he has something involving CR7. You could see the bitterness in his assessment of him
shabrock
0
He’s fucking lying, the guy left because he couldn’t stand Ronaldo dominating over him and his shit Arsenal in every competition. So he run to Barcelona ! LOL Not even close to legendary status for me but a coward player
That's your opinion and your own version of explanation. But he has his own too
Peaabeoty
4
He’s fucking lying, the guy left because he couldn’t stand Ronaldo dominating over him and his shit Arsenal in every competition. So he run to Barcelona ! LOL Not even close to legendary status for me but a coward player
W0linhO
0
A man without an obsession is a broken man. He is a man
siebiklr
0
Players will come and go, faithful team supporters will follow their team in good and bad time,,he shouldn't say that as a diehard Arsenal fan I'm not happy, he's our Legend..!!
Well he won it all with Barca! Sure made the right choice by leaving Arsenal.
Bubaceesayembappe
2
the is full of cropped people Henry want to take all glory is that y don't win champions league
Nezbdisyz
0
Henry you are right if you would have remained at Arsenal you could have not touched on the UCL cup,you made the right decision Arsenal will never wins UCL again for 10 years from now.
Cubabinory
1
Players will come and go, faithful team supporters will follow their team in good and bad time,,he shouldn't say that as a diehard Arsenal fan I'm not happy, he's our Legend..!!
seuabcituy
1
হজ
shevaunie-senior
0
a definition of stupidity
Still no ucl for arsenal
adepsalm19
0
a definition of stupidity
When it's your turn, remain in your comfort zone ok, he's made his decision and never regret it.
Fouadmorsu
3
that's not love
Vawbmnrst
0
TH#14# always my greatest player
ColinsGooner
2
Instead of admitting that Arsenal were busy buying and selling players to pay for their own Stadium
Geebabs
1
a definition of stupidity
I think you're the stupid one here when money is a motivation for you in all situations,then you really have no value
fuucilopy
2
same to van persie, he also wanted to compete. they were brave enough
Potadmptuy
2
a definition of stupidity