Thierry Henry says Arsenal are the first, second, and third team in his heart, despite his spells with the likes of AS Monaco and FC Barcelona.
LONDON - SEPTEMBER 26: Thierry Henry of Arsenal holds off a challenge from Kieron Dyer of Newcastle United during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Arsenal and Newcastle United on September 26, 2003 at Highbury in London, England. Arsenal won the match 3-2. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
CBS Sports styled Arsenal’s midweek clash with AS Monaco as the “Thierry Henry derby”, with the former striker having represented both teams on the pitch during his time as a player.
But when pushed on which of the two teams were the club of his heart, Henry gave a diplomatic but emphatic answer.
“Monaco gave me an opportunity…to become what I became,” Henry began. “And then obviously they gave me an opportunity as a coach. So I have mad respect for Monaco and that’s always going to be the case.
“But Arsenal is where my heart is. And that will never change.”
Arsenal's Invincibles LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal's Patrick Vieira (L) and Thierry Henry celebrate after winning the Premiership title and defeating Leicsester City 15 May, 2004 at Highbury in London. Arsenal defeated Leicester City 2-1 and finish the season undefeated. AFP PHOTO/JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
Henry was then asked whether Monaco or Barcelona would be his “number two” team, and he answered: “Number two? Arsenal. Three? Arsenal.
“In Spain, [it’s] Barcelona. Monaco will always be my team in France. But Arsenal is Arsenal.”
Henry spent five years with Monaco as a senior player and three with Barcelona, but he racked up eight with the Gunners in north London, matching the other two combined and becoming Arsenal’s record goalscorer.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that’s where he feels the strongest connection.
Blackburn, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal's Thierry Henry gestures after scoring during their English Premiership football match against Blackburn Rovers 13 January 2007 at Ewood Park, Blackburn, North-west England. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES Mobile and website use of domestic English football pictures subject to subscription of a license with Football Association Premier League (FAPL) tel : +44 207 298 1656. For newspapers where the football content of the printed and electronic versions are identical, no licence is necessary. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images
Henry will have been pleased to see Arsenal coming out as 3-0 winners on the night, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and assisting another goal.
The Frenchman has previously suggested that Saka is his favourite player, saying: “I have a soft spot for him, he’s my favourite player. He’s been there for a long time. He is so nice.
“The evolution of his game is just outstanding because he used to be lively, [then] difficult to defend against, to assists, to goals, to now goals and assists, taking pens…”
All in all, Wednesday night must have been a pretty enjoyable one for Henry.
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