Premier clubs in tug-of-war for Barca striker
HENRY HEADING BACK
By ROB SHEPHERD
THIERRY HENRY will spark a tug-of-war after revealing he wants to come back to the Premier League — preferably in LONDON.
The former Arsenal striker has told Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard he wants to quit Spain at the end of the season. Henry has cited personal problems as the reason he wants to return to England.
The Catalan club have told the 30-year-old they will not stand in his way. A Barca source said : "If we receive a proposal then then we will speak to the player. We have not opened the door for Henry, but we have not closed it."
Henry has struggled at the Nou Camp following his £16million move from the Gunners last summer with just seven goals in 25 appearances.
Enthusiastic
The main reason Henry wants to be back in England is so he can see his daughter Tea more often, following the break-up of his relationship with former partner Claire Merry.
Despite having become Arsenal's all-time leading scorer with 226 goals in 369 games during his eight years at the club, it is unlikely he would return to the Gunners.
While the business arm of the club would welcome Henry back with open arms, manager Arsene Wenger would not be so enthusiastic.
The very reason Henry was allowed to leave last summer, just one year after signing a long-term deal, was that Wenger (below) felt he had started to undermine his authority as manager and had become a suffocating influence on some the club's emerging young players.
Chelsea would be favourites for his signature but Manchester City and Newcastle would both be interested in signing Henry — even allowing him to commute from a London base.
What Henry has to come to terms with is learn about cultural development. While he might be a talented footballer, he has to realize what responsibilities he has created by fathering a child in a marital relationship. It is my opinion that his immaturity will be his downfall in a comparatively short athletic career. Unfortunately, his money has not reaped the domestic advantages that he expected. He might find the answer in himself, hopefully, before it is too late.
Posted by: Cecil Archer | April 20, 2008 at 03:47 AM | Report this comment
This has just proved to the football world and Henry himself that he is not as good as he thought he was. Bit of a bummer when when you have to play as a team and with a team. At Arsenal Henry had it all his own way. People may call Anelka Le Sulk but he has been a succes everywhere he has been WHY? because he played as part of a team. I agree he moody or seems moody off the pitch but Henry could take Anelka as a example if he wants to prove to the world that he is not a one man show and he can play with a team.
Posted by: big willie bushy fangita | April 20, 2008 at 06:22 AM | Report this comment
Henry should go to the home for Arsenal old timers -Portsmouth
Posted by: Gazza | April 20, 2008 at 07:57 AM | Report this comment
Henry sealed his own fate when he complained to the press in Barcelona that he wasn´t playing well because he didn't see enough of his daughter. They saw the comments as unprofesional and unnecesary from the lips of a privileged multimilionaire. Why did he accept to go abroad in the first place if he wanted to see more of his daughter? We'll see which team will have him in london.
Posted by: Kat | April 20, 2008 at 08:12 AM | Report this comment
He'll go to United, it's on the cards.
Posted by: Tom Griffith | April 20, 2008 at 08:27 AM | Report this comment
When Henry left Arsenal it seemed more like he was running away from his marriage than a football club. It was obvious it was never going to work out and it didn't. Protestations that he was stuck out on the left wing are egotistical, he spent most of his career at Arsenal stuck out as a wide left forward. Henry never wanted to be a small fish in a big pond - so he will return to England where he thinks he can be a superstar again. Unfortunately, his pace has dwindled - the Henry of Arsenal is gone.
Posted by: James | April 20, 2008 at 09:05 AM | Report this comment
"He'll go to United, it's on the cards." you may well be right, but is that Manchester, Newcastle, or another United ???
Posted by: Mark | April 20, 2008 at 09:11 AM | Report this comment
HENRY should only return to ARSENAL or ortherwise he will make another BIG mistake which will probably end his career under A SAD NOTE.
HENRY has shown his best at ARSENAL,besides WENGER knows him very well which should ease his play.
All Arsenal supporters want him back and will be exreemly hurt if he should go to another team in ENGLAND.
alemess
Posted by: Alex Messina | April 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM | Report this comment
"He'll go to United, it's on the cards." you may well be right, but is that Manchester, Newcastle, or another United ???
Irrespective of this particular story Mark, FYI - there's only one United.
Posted by: Bob | April 20, 2008 at 10:28 AM | Report this comment
Even as a Arsenal fan who loved Henry, I do not want him back.
We have a fanatastic 3/4 of a season without him because everyone was allowed to play. There was not sulking from the players when the ball was not played to them, there was not pounding of the fist on the turf when the pass was not accurate. We played well and it was a joy to watch this season, until we got tired.
We need more players to keep up the pace with Man U and Chelsea who have bigger teams, but Henry is NOT the answer.
I agree, let him go to Portsmouth.
Posted by: Catherine | April 20, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Report this comment
'Irrespective of this particular story Mark, FYI - there's only one United.'
Rotherham
Posted by: Wayne | April 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM | Report this comment
HE SHOULD BE A LOT CHEEPER, NOT DONE TO WELL IN SPAIN AND HE A BIT OLDER NOW, HE WILL GO TO MAN U
Posted by: kim goodman | April 20, 2008 at 12:24 PM | Report this comment
Word(s) of advice...never never never return to a club that idolised you as it can only go downhill if the perfomances are not there. Possibly the only exception to the rule has been Ian Rush going Liverpool - Juve - Liverpool after ONE season in Italy and it took Rushie a while to get back to buisness (admittedly he had his spitting image Aldridge to contend with).
Posted by: Tony | April 20, 2008 at 01:08 PM | Report this comment
He will not go to Manchester United. Leeds United maybe.
Posted by: Kim Noble | April 20, 2008 at 01:10 PM | Report this comment
I would love to see henry at liverpool.rafa wanted to sign him last year.torres and henry is a pretty good fromt line
Posted by: DNK | April 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM | Report this comment
I see the second big club in henrys career are ready to get rid off him like juventus did..another fish in a big pool...not running the show like arsenal.
Posted by: captain marvel7 | April 20, 2008 at 04:22 PM | Report this comment
thiery henry is coming to liverpool!
get money on it lads!
Posted by: chris the red | April 20, 2008 at 04:29 PM | Report this comment
Henry will never go to United, i.e. ManU will never have him, at least not until Fergie is the boss. He offloaded several players e.g. Beckham, Keane, for exactly the same reasons Henry is in trouble now, for undermining manager's authority. Plus Henry's heydays are over and ManU will only have oldies who spent their prime there, not any other for sure. Henry could have got a good pension times at Arsenal, if he hadn't gone and behaved less egoistically, now is probably too late. Very interesting to see what is next. Good luck Thierry.
Posted by: Janez | April 20, 2008 at 05:11 PM | Report this comment
I think henry should just retire hes over the hill and his actions last summer in leaving his family were appaling. The man is an arrogant idiot and should hang up is boots. Your past it mate!!
Posted by: John Bat | April 20, 2008 at 06:26 PM | Report this comment
He would very welcome to be squad player at Aldershot Town. League Two here we come baby
Posted by: Lawrie | April 20, 2008 at 07:30 PM | Report this comment
hello man united don.t need henry he has pass it tevez rooney r the best who is henry?
Posted by: Mamz | April 20, 2008 at 07:31 PM | Report this comment
well im from sunderland and as a sunderland fan would love for him to come here but that would never happen but if you can all remember one thing that henry came out and and said whilst at arsenal the only other club he would like to play for is liverpool because of two things the supporters and the history watch this space......
Posted by: ste | April 20, 2008 at 07:45 PM | Report this comment
henry at newcastle??? it would be great, but the lad is 30 and he'll want another crack in the champions league, so man utd, arsenal, chelsea. i think he'll stay in europe.
Posted by: kev | April 20, 2008 at 07:48 PM | Report this comment
I'm an Arsenal fan and I must say I miss the Henry of the old times especially when he was alongside Vieira, Gilberto etc. He's a good natured player but not a good leader. AW made the biggest mistake by letting Henry take on the Captain's armband after Vieira's departure. The pressure the team and fans placed on Henry was way too much and I guess that's the reason he wanted to leave.
Right now I only hope he will not join Man Utd and Chelsea cuz I don't wanna see my ex-captain playing against us. I do hope he'll come back to Arsenal but from looks of it, it's like having to eat a huge humble pie. He'll need to undergo fans' scrutiny, and worst of all, play with his ex-team mates who hv mature so much in his absence.
Enough said, i still do hope he'll come back. Ade and him form a great partnership!
Posted by: mel | April 20, 2008 at 08:17 PM | Report this comment
henry come 2 forest
Posted by: rayfc | April 20, 2008 at 08:25 PM | Report this comment
henry had 1 bad season he at least has 3 years left in him!+ hes playin on da left for barca not his best position!
however itink da gunners r better without him!
i nw its unlikely but i tink he should go 2 man utd coz hes wot we need a big cf whol get gopals nd hell get loads of chances 2 score wit roo n tevez n ron n nani etc feedin him
nd hel be rotaded coz we have roo nd tevez nd dat will benefit him coz hes older nw!!
man utd fans il b interested 2 hear wot ye tink!!!
Posted by: ash | April 20, 2008 at 08:35 PM | Report this comment
henry had 1 bad season he at least has 3 years left in him!+ hes playin on da left for barca not his best position!
however itink da gunners r better without him!
i nw its unlikely but i tink he should go 2 man utd coz hes wot we need a big cf whol get goals nd hell get loads of chances 2 score wit roo n tevez n ron n nani etc feedin him
nd hel be rotaded coz we have roo nd tevez nd dat will benefit him coz hes older nw!!
man utd fans il b interested 2 hear wot ye tink!!!
Posted by: ash | April 20, 2008 at 08:39 PM | Report this comment
It shows you how a average player can become a king in english football,if he was so good he wouldn't be struggling in spain.He is a millionaire,not like you and i.It don't cost much to fly his daughter to barcelona.excuses excuses ......................why is vieira struggling in italy?english football is not about technique,it's all about running fast,that's what henry is missing.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
Posted by: mike | April 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM | Report this comment
go for man utd it would not be a good move to the blues, good luck
Posted by: adrian price | April 20, 2008 at 10:30 PM | Report this comment
Henry has been koped as he also idolises playing in front of the kop.
Posted by: Deyo Sorunmu | April 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM | Report this comment
I think premier leggue misses Henry too much. It is good idea for him to come back and play for gunners because he learnt the lesson from his mistake.
Posted by: SERSO NYILAWILA | April 21, 2008 at 03:46 AM | Report this comment
go to bundesliga instead, ermm..stuttgart
Posted by: warrick | April 21, 2008 at 07:31 AM | Report this comment
go for it (y)
im glad your moving on with your life
Posted by: matty | April 21, 2008 at 09:40 AM | Report this comment
Although Arsenal has been missing good, killer and clinical finishing in front of the goal, what the team needs is purchase of a top class striker (2 of them) and 2 midfielder and 2 defenders. Not Henry. He is a fading hero and a fading hero as less admirers. I think he should join Chelsea and introduce sexy footbal and then Anelka comes to Arsenal.
-Mwingirwa Kithure, Kenya.
Posted by: Mwingirwa Kithure | April 21, 2008 at 10:33 AM | Report this comment
He's been great for the Arsenal.
He needs a team which has lower expectations and a team that will benifit from him he's a leader and alway will be.
We should be thankfull that we had him at the Arsenal.
Good luck mate , go show them your still great.
Posted by: Andy Kola | April 21, 2008 at 01:48 PM | Report this comment
Henry is the best Barca has. They misused him but it seems typical for these latin teams not to appreciate Premierships finest players and they suffer for it. Thats why 3 teams from england are in the semi finals of the champions league !
Posted by: Macadee | April 22, 2008 at 12:09 AM | Report this comment
I believe Henry leaving Arsenal was the best thing to happen to the club. While he has been away the club has come into its own but he on the other hand has lost his untouchable status, cant see which club he will fit in but there is always PORTSMOUTH or WEST HAM.
Posted by: Victor Djangmah | April 22, 2008 at 07:47 AM | Report this comment
we want u Thierry..Fenerbahce SK İstanbul is best club for u
Posted by: omer cetinkaya | April 22, 2008 at 10:43 AM | Report this comment
ASTON VILLA is the place for him!!
with big john carew and gabby agbonlahor there would be no stopping us!!!
VILLA VILLA VILLAAAA!!!!!
Posted by: white chocolate! | April 22, 2008 at 11:52 AM | Report this comment
TOOON ARMY MAN
WIN THE LEAGUE AT THE THE VERY LEAST NEXT SEASON
Posted by: deano | April 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM | Report this comment
heh is a great player he didnt know how good he had it at arsenal but you have to say he is a good guy he misses his daughter of course thats why all us big english premier football fans should welcome henry back to the premership we all make mistakes and i can see that henry is really hurt and he deserves another chance i could not believe when he left arsenal he was mr arsenal when he went to spain all that went away come back hendry we all love you
Posted by: john fleming | April 23, 2008 at 02:34 AM | Report this comment
henry will not go to united fergie doesnt want him he will go to back to da gunners he doesnt fit anywhere else in da world!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but we dont need him once eduardo is back
Posted by: sox | April 23, 2008 at 05:05 PM | Report this comment
hello , i think he should either S T A Y or G O
that is barca or arsenal to be honest with all of you arsenal is where he got he reputation from i love henry's football at arsenal so much i'd love him to come back but is it the right move? english football is much faster then european so he will have to get used to the pace , and he will have to face all the fans and stick but if he did come back i think wenger needs to lift the pressure off him a little bit. if he shows love for the club and apologizes the team will feel much happier and hopefully play much more fresher football next season.
Posted by: timothy | April 23, 2008 at 06:16 PM | Report this comment
I would like to see Henry return to the premier league as we haven't heard much of his class over here (not that he has showed any at the Nou Camp). However as an Arsenal supporter I wouldn't like to see him return due to the fact that we had a great start to the season with out him, the season before we had a terrible start and was around the 7th position, we went back up to fourth but fourth isnt close enough! This season we shocked everyone by playing as we should, like champions. OK we have blown any sign of silverwear away but it is something that I am sure we have learnt from and will improve for next season. When Henry was playing for the North London side we were seen as Henry & Co. now without him we are a team united together and everyone has a say, we no longer rely on a legend, but are creating many. I do think that to get the best out of henry you have to play like Arsenal, Quick and classy, Boring Old Chelsea don't do that, Man Utd don't, Who does? Therefore I would like to see his talent being used on an underdog such as the named above Newcastle or Man City, defonatly not Tottenham! We Shall See! All I Can Say Is That I Wish Him The Best Of Luck!
Posted by: Sam Shardlow | April 23, 2008 at 07:43 PM | Report this comment
Interesting, ManU just proved that English teams can play the slow game, that its not all about speed.. with a well grinded draw vs Barce... And Henry came on and was the only one from Barce (bar Messi) Who actually looked remotly threatening...
He should go back to england. Not to a big 4 club (i doubt Arsenal or ManU will have him) - But to a 'lesser club' - Newcastle Would be perfect - Where he could shine and be a star player (like Ronaldiho needs to be to perform - and i think C.Ronaldo it heading the same way...) In Saying that, Owen made the mistake of his career not going back to liverpool...
Posted by: Andrew | April 23, 2008 at 10:01 PM | Report this comment
arsenal should bring him back, but only if wenger makes him understand that aderbayor and van persie are first choice they have earnt it!!
Posted by: chris | April 24, 2008 at 01:11 AM | Report this comment
i think he should go to liverpool, he is a class player it would be good to have him in our beloved liverpool we need a trully crack!!!!!!
Posted by: thebadhabit26 | April 24, 2008 at 05:59 AM | Report this comment
henry mate, aresenal will never have another one like you, we will welcome you with open arms, it hurts to see the arsenal suporters say we don't want him bak,guys just think who is the arsenal all time leeading scorer, in that base i think hi diserves some rispect as hi did play his hart for the club at one time, personal problems knock us all down ar some times, hi had his and i hope hi is sorted now, arsen wenger please get him back even just for respect, hi loves arsenal and we all love him.
Posted by: nick the albanian guner | April 26, 2008 at 01:14 AM | Report this comment
henry for leicester?
Posted by: LCFC S.H | April 26, 2008 at 09:34 PM | Report this comment
I totally agree with you thebadhabit26. He is one to respect. Henry will be welcome back anytime. Arsenal is in his heart.
Posted by: Adam | April 28, 2008 at 12:33 AM | Report this comment
I believe Henry is a all-time great player especially in London. Arsenal was his right club and still is... his position is still there for him. Adebayor and Himself up front dominating and help from Fabregas, Walcott, Hleb and the others the premiership should be Arsenal's time to pick that come up next season or the next after Henry puts himself together again.
Posted by: Abdullah | April 28, 2008 at 06:24 PM | Report this comment
i hope this prove that ruud is better than henry i never thought henry was that great i just think he got so use to the premier league it got easier for him to shine
Posted by: thatdude | May 02, 2008 at 04:36 AM | Report this comment
Henry must come back to the gunners he belons there ARSENAL 4 LIFE
Posted by: Jim | May 04, 2008 at 05:55 PM | Report this comment