FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.06.2007 20:22

More than 30,000 fans

Berta Brau/Míriam Nadal

More than 30,000 fans turned up at the Camp Nou on Monday evening to welcome Thierry Henry in person.

The excitement caused by the official presentation of Thierry Henry as a Barça player can only be compared to the signing of Ronaldinho four years ago. And we’re not just talking about the fans but also the international multitude of journalists that swarmed over the Camp Nou throughout the day.

Signing the deal

At about 5 pm, Thierry Henry arrived at the club offices to sign his contract. The fans had been arriving at the Camp Nou, where the new kit was also being unveiled, for at least an hour beforehand. They were able to follow the unfolding story as told by Barça TV via the giant video screens at each end of the stadium.

Anthem and euphoria

With the Barça anthem ringing around the stadium, the fans erupted into thunderous applause when Thierry Henry finally made his appearance on the pitch. Wearing the new Barça strip, he gave a few touches to the football before launching it into the crowd. He then did a lap of the stadium to greet the fans.

The mainly youthful fans chanted his name while Henry repeatedly expressed his thanks and waved to the crowd. After sending them another ball, he returned to the dressing room watched by Joan Laporta and many members of the Board.