Thierry Henry Signs With MLS New York Red Bulls

Thursday, 15 July 2010 11:00

New York Red Bulls announced that they’d reached a deal with former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry. The 32 year old Henry signed a multiyear deal with the Red Bulls, with financial terms not disclosed. He’s expected to make his MLS debut in an exhibition game against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on July 22.

Henry was released by Barcelona last month following a very disappointing season in which he scored only four goals. There’s been considerable speculation in the world soccer media that he’s ‘over the hill’ but Henry disputes this notion:

"This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life. Some people might think I am going to go there for vacation -- I do actually go there for vacation -- but it won't be for vacation this time. I'm a competitor and I don't like to lose."

Red Bulls’ general manager Erik Soler had these thoughts:

"Thierry is not only a world-class player who will undoubtedly improve our squad, but he has shown most importantly throughout his career that he is a winner. He has made it clear to us that he is committed in the short and long term to help in our vision of making our organization the premium franchise in Major League Soccer."

Henry has also had a very eventful international career—both good and bad. He won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship with France but also became something of a worldwide pariah after his handball during World Cup qualifying kept Ireland out of the field. He was also on the roster of the 2010 French World Cup team that suffered one of the more memorable meltdowns in recent history.

Despite his age and recent controversy, the Red Bulls are happy to have another scoring threat. Current team scoring leader Juan Pablo Angel is looking forward to having some help up front:

"I think it means everything for the industry in this country. He's arguably one of the best players in our generation. He's a player that has won everything he could possibly win in this sport and he's still fit. I think it's an honor to have him here. He's going to be a tremendous addition to the league, to the Red Bulls."

Defender Tim Ream suggested that the combination of Angel and Henry up front will be a powerful offensive force:

"It's kind of wild to think about it. Coming in, I knew I was going to be playing with Juan Pablo and I knew what kind of player he was. You put those two together it's pretty incredible. Front two, there is not much you can say about them. They are just spectacular players."

The Red Bulls are currently second in the MLS East, 2 points behind conference leaders Columbus. Their first two MLS games with Henry in the lineup will be on the road against Houston on July 31 and at Chicago on August 8. Before that they’ll play without Henry at Columbus, meaning that they could find themselves in first place when their new addition joins the squad.

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Thierry Henry Signs With MLS New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry Signs With MLS New York Red Bulls

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