Thierry Henry has bid an emotional final adieu to
Arsenal fans, with the Barcelona-bound striker hoping that whilst
supporters may not accept his decision to leave, they must at least
recognise his unstinting efforts in North London.
The French international is expected to complete a £16million move
to Camp Nou in the coming hours, but before jetting off to Spain to
agree personal terms and complete a medical, Arsenal's record
goalscorer made one last address to the supporters that have
idolised him over the past eight years.
Insisting he will remain a 'Gunner for life', Henry thanked
Arsenal's fans for their support and underlined that he always gave
his best for the club before deciding to continue his career in La
Liga.
"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always,
always, always remember you guys," Henry told the club's official
website.
"I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie
because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner. The club
is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever.
"I had a special relationship with the fans, with the boss, Mr Dein
and everybody who was attached to Arsenal. Arsenal will always be
in my heart, my blood, my head.
"Everybody will. The press office, the chef, the girls at the
training ground, the guys who made the pitch perfect at the
training ground and at Emirates, the guys at the stadium who help
us perform at our best. I will miss everybody."
Henry leaves Arsenal having scored a record 226 goals, as well as
winning two Premiership titles, three FA Cups and numerous
individual awards during a glittering career in North London.
Widely regarded as one of the finest foreign players to ever grace
English football, Henry hopes Arsenal fans can see through their
disappointment and appreciate his efforts for the club.
Henry continued: "It is really special coming here [the Emirates
Stadium] to talk about it. I will always have Arsenal in my
blood.
"I know some people will never accept the decision. I just want to
say to the fans that I always gave 100 per cent. Even the last year
when I was injured I tried to perform.
"It was not the 30 goals you were used to but it was 17 games in
the League and scored 10 so that was not a bad ratio.
"It was all about the heart and the commitment to win for Arsenal.
I always, always, always, always gave 100 per cent.
"I would like to say you have been tremendous for me and I really
do appreciate it. I am shaking as I say this. I will always
remember you."
