MLS move perfect for Henry

French international star Thierry Henry has agreed to join MLS side New York Red Bulls.

The 32 year-old striker has joined on what has been described as a ‘Multi-year’ contract.

Henry had a year left on his contract with Barcelona but the Catalan club have allowed him leave on a free transfer.

Playing Time

Last season Henry struggled to get into the Barca first team after the emergence of youngster Pedro. He didn’t have the same impact as he had in previous seasons and it seemed inevitable that he would move on.

He is much more likely to get regular playing time in New York and he’s bound to shine in the MLS. The standard of play is poorer than La Liga and will get far more space in the American league. He could have carried on playing in Europe for a few more years but decided that MLS was the place he wanted to spend the twilight of his career.

Legend

Thierry Henry is a legend of French football. He won a World Cup and European Championship with Les Bleus and was a key player in their emergence as one of the top teams in the world. He also helped Arsenal to become one of the top teams in Europe.

At the peak of his powers he was one of the deadliest finishers in the world and his electric pace put fear into the hearts of opposition defenders. His coolness in front of goal helped him become Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer and he is seen as one of the finest foreign players ever to grace the Premier League.

Controversy

Henry’s career has also been touched by controversy. In the World-Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland last year Henry handled the ball into the path of defender William Gallas who scored the winning goal.

There was a major outcry and the Republic lodged a complaint against the result. The FAI asked FIFA to order a replay. FIFA rejected the request. Henry even claimed that the fairest solution would be for the game to be replayed.

FIFA ignored his comments and France qualified for the World Cup in South Africa. Although justice was done as the French endured a nightmare few weeks and headed home early from competition.

Retirement

Henry has decided to call time on his illustrious international career. It’s no great surprise after his countries awful World Cup campaign. He retires as France’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 51 goals in 123 appearances for Les Bleus.

New Start

With his career seemingly slowing down maybe a move to the MLS is just what Henry needs. He has star status in the football world and a move to America could help promote the league. The interest in MLS may rise again, just like it did when David Beckham arrived at LA Galaxy.

The move is also likely to win Henry all sorts of new sponsorship deals. He is not averse to a bit of extra income from advertising, as he proved while in England.

Friendship

Henry already has a friend in the States Basketball star Tony Parker. Henry has been to Parker’s NBA games on numerous occasions and Parker and his wife also attended some of Henry’s appearances at Euro 2008.

Ironic

Its Ironic that Henry’s debut will be against Arsenal’s bitter-rivals Tottenham on July 22^nd. It is the perfect game for Henry to start his new career in the US. His arrival is bound to increase attendances at the Red Bull Arena.

Hero

He is a hero in France and a hero in the red half of North London. I have no doubts that he will become a hero in the eyes of New York soccer fans. Henry and New York are a really good fit. I’m sure Henry will enjoy his stint in the US and hopefully he will show the Red Bull fans that he isn’t finished just yet.