Henry leaves the New York Red Bulls. What next?
Thierry Henry played his final game of professional football on Saturday against New England Revolution. The New York Red Bulls ended their play-off run and the Frenchman decided enough was enough and said: “I am taking this opportunity to announce that unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New York Red Bulls. The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn’t want it to distract from the progress of the team. I have immensely enjoyed my four and half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has made my time here so enjoyable”
Henry signed for the Red Bulls in 2010, scoring 51 goals in 122 matches but at the age of 37 one can understand why he took the decision to hang up his playing boots. His career has lasted 20-years with over 700 appearances and 338 goals for clubs and country, winning, 5 League Titles (Monaco, Arsenal and Barcelona) 3 FA Cups (Arsenal) 1 Copa del Rey (Barcelona) 1 Champions League (Barcelona) 1 World Cup and 1 European with France amongst other titles.
Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Thierry Henry to be the next person to manage Arsenal after Arsene Wenger. Bookmakers bwin reported a ‘flurry of bets’ on Henry becoming next Arsenal manager leading to them shortening the odds from 80-1 to 14-1.Glenn Woodage, a bookmaker at bwin said: “North London is alive with the idea that Thierry Henry is returning to Arsenal. With his playing career surely over, the punters seem to think that Henry is the man who can transform Arsenal from nearly men to “Invincibles” once more. Our odds have plummeted – only Jurgen Klopp is considered the more likely replacement.”
Henry himself added to this speculation when he declared last week to L’Equipe: “I have not taken any decision and speculation is not my thing. One thing is certain: I will stay in football, as a coach, a consultant or executive. We will see.” He also went on to declare: “Another certainty is that I would love to see Arsenal win the Champions League. Whether that is from near or far does not depend on me, but it is sure I’d like to help.”
Could this happen sooner that at the end of this season? Should this happen sooner?
Wenger is losing the support of even the most loyal fans so would entrusting the fate of the Gunners, at least on the pitch, to their most successful player ever actually end up being that bad?
Surely, Henry has the winning mentality necessary when making the step from player to manager. The fans adore him and will back him for a long time irrespective of the results, so will it actually happen, and do enough people actually want it to?