Thierry Henry: A Gunner for Life

Thierry Henry and Robert Pires

Thierry Henry was one of three club legends to be honoured as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations, with former manager Herbert Chapman and also captain Tony Adams, who led Arsene Wenger's men to the Double twice, each receiving a similar tribute. A statue was unveiled at the Emirates depicting Henry in his famous knee-slide goal celebration.

Thierry Henry statue outside The Emirates

The first time I saw Henry play was in 1997-98 season for AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. He formed a deadly partnership with David Trezeguet at the time. Most South Africans will remember Thierry Henry in our 1st game ever at the World Cup in 1998 against France. He gave Willem Jackson a torrid time that night as France ran out 3-0 winners.

I am not an Arsenal fan but I am a Thierry Henry fan. I enjoyed the way he played the game at Arsenal. His pace, passing, movement and most importantly his finishing was world class during his time there. He had great players around him though. The likes of Pires, Viera, Bergkamp etc were carefully chosen by Arsene Wenger to form one of the greatest Arsenal sides ever seen.


Henry was converted into a striker at Arsenal but became so prolific it was as if he had always played upfront. If you give him a penalty he will score, give him a free-kick he will score, one-on-one with the keeper he will score again. A goal scoring machine. Words that were used to describe some of his goals were “spectacular”,”vavavoom”,“genius”,”unbelievable”.

Thierry Henry with Arsene Wenger

Thierry Henry lit-up Highbury and The Emirates with his style of football and cool calm finishes in front of goals. I am proud to say I lived in the times of Thierry Henry, Arsenal Legend and a Gunner for LIFE!