Thierry Henry Opens Up About the Emotional Struggle of Leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007
In a candid admission, Thierry Henry reveals the emotional turmoil he experienced when making the pivotal decision to leave Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007. The legendary French striker, departing as a living icon, had amassed an impressive record of 226 goals and 103 assists in 370 games for the London club.
“I never considered leaving Arsenal,” Henry shared with beIN Sports. “But I was 29 years old and in form. I thought all the guys left, and I did not know if Arsene [Wenger] would be staying. It was not easy, and when I left, I cried. I’m not ashamed to say it. I’m a competitor, and I had to leave.”
Henry’s move to Barcelona in 2007, for a then-noteworthy €24m (£16m), marked him as one of the most expensive signings of that summer—a stark contrast to today’s inflated transfer fees for promising teenagers.
Arriving at Barcelona with an impressive trophy cabinet boasting two Premier League titles and four Golden Boots, Henry was highly sought after by then-Barca head coach Frank Rijkaard. In his debut season, the prolific forward netted 19 goals and provided 12 assists while primarily playing as a left-winger and center-forward.
However, upon reporting for pre-season training in 2008, new manager Pep Guardiola delivered a reality check, informing Henry that he was the fourth-choice striker and not a guaranteed starter.
“Pep Guardiola told me that I was the fourth-choice striker and I would not be a starter,” Henry recalled in a 2015 interview with beIN Sports. “I accepted the challenge and I fought, and competition makes you increase your level. People talk about luck, but you need to create your own. When you work, you get the reward at the end.”
Henry’s perseverance bore fruit, and he spent three successful seasons at Camp Nou, clinching eight trophies, including two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Reflecting on his career, Henry acknowledged the pivotal role of managers, crediting Arsene Wenger for opening his mind and Pep Guardiola for opening his eyes to a new dimension of football management.
