On his way: Thierry Henry is packing his bags crossing the pond to play soccer in the Big AppleThe 32-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona striker is following David Beckham's lead and seeing out the twilight of his career in the increasingly competitive U.S. game.
Henry announced his decision to join the New York Red Bulls yesterday, saying he has signed a 'multi-year deal'.
Henry, who is set to make his debut in a friendly against Tottenham on Thursday July 22, says: 'This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life.
'It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team's history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship.
'Knowing Red Bull's significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my team-mates and I will succeed.'
But following Beckham's way of life is not on the cards for Henry. The player claims he has no intention of commuting back and forth to Europe, saying that this is 'the end for me on the national team.'
That is hardly surprising given France's disastrous World Cup campaign. Beckham himself seems excited that his friend is joining him stateside.
'I think it's great. We've talked many a time about it. I've known for a while...it can only be good for the sport. it raises the profile, gets people talking about the MLS again,' he told the Daily Telegraph.
Sayonara to Spain: Henry with his girlfriend Andrea and his mother Maryse in Barcelona last yearFollowing Henry's divorce in 2007 from English model Nicole Merry, to whom he paid a settlement of almost £10 million, he's currently dating 25 year-old Bosnian model Andrea Rajačić.
It looks like he'll be appreciated in New York, with Red Bull general manager and sporting director Erik Soler, saying: '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.'
Henry admits he'd already decided to retire from international football before the World Cup. But he decided to wait to make the announcement, which came only hours after Emile Heskey said he was ending his England career.
source: dailymail
