Thierry Henry (born August 17, 1977 in Les Ulis , Paris, France) is a French international footballer. He usually plays as a striker, and currently plays for Arsenal F.C. in the English FA Premier league.

Henry trained at the French Football Federation's academy at Clairefontaine, before starting his professional career at AS Monaco. He was given his debut by the then Monaco manager Arsene Wenger at the age of 17. He started playing on the wing, before moving to striker, which is now seen as his natural position.

He made his international debut in October 1997 against South Africa. He played in France's 1998 World Cup success, and was joint-top scorer for the French, with three goals; he also was part of the Euro 2000-winning squad, scoring a further three goals.

Having impressed in the 1998 World Cup, Henry moved to Italian giants Juventus in January 1999 for £14million, but was made to play as a winger. In an unfamiliar position, against the more disciplined Italian defences, he stagnated, scoring just three goals.

Unhappy in Italy, he transferred from Juventus in August 1999 to Arsenal for £10.5 million, and was reunited with his former mentor, Wenger. At Arsenal, Henry rediscovered the form which had made him such a highly-regarded prospect, and has won the Premiership and FA Cup twice with the club.

Many people consider Henry to be the most exciting player to watch in world football. Although he plays as a striker, his versatility at all aspects of the game makes him more influential than a traditional striker, and he often drops deep to receive the ball from midfield. He creates as many goals as he scores. Amongst other things, Henry is well known for his exceptional pace and accurate finishing which puts him at, or near, the top of the Premiership top scorers list each season. He was runner up for the 2003 and 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Henry has been the star of television ads for Nike, Pro Evolution Soccer, Renault — once with his English model girlfriend Nicole Merry whom he married in 2003 — and will soon front adverts for Pepsi.

Career stats

Figures for Arsenal correct to January 23, 2005

Honours

• World Cup - 1998
• European Championship - 2000
• FA Cup winner - 2002, 2003
• FA Premier league winner - 2002, 2004
• Captain of France under-18 team
• Appearances for France under-21 - 1
• Appearances for France - 69, goals 28
• English Premier League Golden Boot Winner (23 goals) 2001-2002, 30 goals 2003-2004
• PFA Players' Player of the Year 2003 and 2004
• Selected to FIFA 100 in 2004

External link

• Player profile on BBC Sport

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current holder