Will Thierry Henry End His Career In New York?
French Star Could Be Playing For Red Bulls For 2011
Oct 29, 2009
Major League Soccer may be getting a huge international football star in the not so distant future as French national team star Thierry Henry has said he wants to finish his career in the United States, where his friend and compatriot Tony Parker plays in the NBA.
Other Big Names In MLS
After big names like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer tried to give soccer a boost in the United States in the late 1970s, David Beckham was the hottest star to come to Major League Soccer since its inception in 1993.
Contract With Barcelona Until 2011
Henry, 32, is currently under contract with Spanish giants Barcelona until 2011 meaning in three years is the earliest the French ace could join the MLS. Henry has not slowed down at all in his move from Arsenal to Barcelona in 2007. In 2007-08, he totaled 19 goals and 11 assists in 47 matches in the league, cup and Europe. Last season, he scored 26 goals and had 12 assists in 42 total games on the way to Barcelona's triple title winning season. In the first seven games of 2009-10, Henry has yet to score a goal.
Loads Of Titles
Henry would bring loads of titles with him to the United States. Among his titles going into the 2009-10 season are the 1998 World Cup title; the 2000 European Championship; the 2002 and 2004 English league crowns; the 2009 Spanish La Liga, 2009 Copa del Rey and 2009 Champions League championship.
Love Of U.S.
And it appears likely according to his comments to the New York Times on October 18, 2007. "I always say that one day I can play over there. I would love to," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I just love the U.S. I don't know why. I love the way you live. I love American sports. For me, it's a dream to go to training and then see a game of football, basketball, whatever game. For me, New York is the best city in the world."
On October 23, 2009, he said in Spanish newspapers that he could imagine a move to the New York Red Bulls. Should he move to the Red Bulls in 2011, Henry would be going on 34 years and it remains questionable just how much of an impact on MLS he would have.
Friend Tony Parker There
Henry also told the Spanish media that one of the keys for him playing in the U.S. was that his friend and fellow Frenchman Tony Parker was playing there. Parker is an All-Star basketball guard with the San Antonio Spurs.
