FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.06.2007 13:30

Henry: “It’s now or never”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Thierry Henry has revealed that the reason he has opted to join FC Barcelona is because he did not want to stay at Arsenal without Arsène Wenger. In an open letter to The Sun and L'Equipe, he explained why he chose to make the move this summer.

The French international is set to be presented as a new Barça player next week after agreeing a four-year deal with the club and he has spoken for the first time about his choice to leave the Gunners after eight seasons and why he chose to join the Blaugrana. Arsenal also confirmed that a deal had been struck between the two clubs on their official website.

Style attraction

The style of football at Barça was one key attraction for Henry as he explained: "Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there." Henry wrote an open and honest account of his change of heart, only a year after committing himself to the north London club.

Dein exit was key

In the letter to The Sun newspaper, the former Monaco and Juventus forward, pointed out that the changes behind the scenes at Arsenal had helped make his mind up that now was the right time to move on. "I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsène Wenger and David Dein." Dein resigned from the Premiership club's board earlier this season and his exit has had a profound effect on Henry as he believes the move "de-stabilised the team and the manager".

Arsenal confirm the move

Arsenal also confirmed the agreement on their official website on Saturday, the day after the news first broke that a deal had been struck following a round of negotiations in London.