FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.02.2008 13:44

Henry shows true professionalism

Àngels Prieto

Thierry Henry proved what a great professional he is on Thursday night as he took part in a charity event minutes after helping Barcelona qualify for the Copa del Rey semi final.

The French international scored the winning goal against Villarreal in Camp Nou and then raced up the tunnel to be linked up to a live video feed to a charity gala in London whihc was being held to raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis. Henry was due to attend, but the game prevented him being there and so he spoke, still in his kit, via the satellite link.

Having promised to be present at the even some time ago, Henry went out of his way to ensure that he did everything he could to make the evening go well as he spoke to the audience in a luxurious hotel in the English capital.

At midnight he slipped away from the team celebrations in order to be able to link up to his friends and colleagues at the dinner in London and his professionalism and integrity were very well received.

Special words

Henry knows about the effects of cystic fibrosis as the daughter of a very good friend of his suffers from it and for that reason he was keen to help the organisers of the gala dinner. Among those present was a boy who has the illness and Henry dedicated some words to him. "I am sure that the parents of Darren will be very proud of the strength and spirit that son shows," he said. "It is him who you should be giving thanks to, not me. The only thing that I can do is give you my support."

Justified absence

Explaining why he had been unable to be in London to meet everyone Henry continued: "I hope you all understand that it was impossible for me to be with you and I am very soory about that," he said. "But I am also happy because this evening has been incredible. I was able to score the only goal of the game and we won the game and it was very important."