IT is probably pushing it a bit too far to say he has
formed the Barcelona branch of the Arsenal Supporters Club.
But it is not far off.
After eight years in North London, Thierry Henry is
adjusting to life in Spain.
Though finding himself playing on the left side of
midfield, he is not complaining about it.
And when it comes to dealing with his team-mates — and
the massed ranks of the Catalan media — that is not a problem
either.
After just eight months, he speaks fluent Spanish.
Yet Henry admits part of his heart remains with
Arsenal, where he became the club’s top scorer with 226 goals
before leaving for Barca last summer.
While many footballers undergo a memory bypass as soon
as they leave a club, Henry openly admits to studying Arsenal’s
form, watches their games on TV whenever possible and talks
regularly to his old team-mates.
He may be, ahem, just a little biased but Henry is
adamant that the Gunners, inspired by Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel
Adebayor, will win the Premier League title.
The Frenchman has a crucial match against Valladolid
tomorrow. But it is fair to say he will know all the details of
Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea not long after his clash at the Nou
Camp.
He said: I have this feeling Arsenal will win the
Premier League. They are playing well against the big four and I do
think they play the most attractive football, though Manchester
United have also played some good stuff.
So far, Arsenal have lost only one game and, if they
remain unbeaten from now on, it would be very unusual not to win
the title.
Obviously, I love Arsenal. But that’s not the reason
why I think they will win the title. I just feel they have the
quality.
I still follow their results, every game. Last
Saturday, every five minutes against Middlesbrough, I was texting
somebody to find out what was happening.
I watch them every game possible and I wish them good
luck. I still have something in my heart for Arsenal. I speak to
Ade, William Gallas, Gael Clichy and Cesc. I have also spoken to
Gilberto a couple of times.
They have played beautiful football this season and
deserve to win something. It would be brilliant. No one thought
they would drop points against Birmingham, Aston Villa,
Middlesbrough and Wigan.
"They have been doing brilliantly against the big
teams, so, maybe, it is a good time to play Chelsea.
Playing Chelsea was always special for me. No
disrespect to any other team but when you play Chelsea, Liverpool
or Manchester United and you are in the final 10 minutes, you
somehow find extra power.
At this stage of the season, I actually think it is
better to play the bigger teams.
It is a big month for Arsenal but I think that they can
do it. Henry is delighted at the progress of both Adebayor and
Fabregas.
Adebayor, who revealed Henry has inspired him via
regular telephone chats, has already scored 23 goals. Fabregas has
been outstanding in Arsene Wenger’s midfield.
Henry added: When Ade arrived at Arsenal, I thought he
would be a good signing.
"Unfortunately, at the beginning, people were giving
him stick. Now he is scoring and proving everyone wrong.
"When I left, I said ‘You are capable of more than 30
goals every season if you want’. Ade is one of the best strikers in
Europe.
As for Cesc, he is playing amazingly well. When he is
in tune, like in Milan, Arsenal are in tune. He is the heart of the
team.
Cesc is already up there among the best players in the
world.
Henry’s path and Arsenal’s could cross in the Champions
League final. But he admits it would be odd facing the Gunners
anywhere.
He said: It would be strange one day to step out at the
Emirates in another shirt.
Oh Titi...