Thierry Henry will go down in history as one of the most prolific strikers to have ever played the beautiful game. His 20-plus year career has seen him play for some of Europe’s top clubs including Juventus and Barcelona. He was part of Frenchman Arsene Wenger’s impenetrable Arsenal force that became known as ‘The Invincibles’. To cap it off, the 37-year-old superstar was part of the World Cup-winning French side that took home the trophy in 1998. As spectators we can only infer as to what makes him so special… For confirmation, we turn to the gentlemen below:
“The first day that he came into the dressing room, I did not dare to look him in the face. I knew everything that he had done in England.”
Barcelona forward and former teammate Lionel Messi
“If you look at the whole package, with everything Henry has, I don’t think you can find that anywhere else. You give him the ball in the right place and his acceleration will take him past any defender in the world.”
Former Arsenal teammate Dennis Bergkamp
“He’s a wizard with his feet and is blessed with a gift for scoring goals. His best quality is his speed while the ball is at his feet. He may be the fastest man ever to lace up a football boot. No defender in the world can keep up with him.”
Former French defender Lilian Thuram
“It was those days when a player was so powerful and dominant in his game.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes
“There was a grace, an elegance, a beauty about the way he moves.”
Former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola
“In full flow, there is no one in this world capable of stopping him.”
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos
“For me, Thierry was the best striker, I’ve ever seen.”
Former French goalkeeper Fabian Barthez
“He is virtually unplayable from the defender’s point of view he is a bombshell.”
Chelsea defender John Terry
“When he’s on fire, he is impossible to stop. He dribbles like a winger, but is still able to score 20 goals a year in the Premiership.”
Former England Head Coach Fabio Capello
“The only way to stop Thierry Henry? With a gun!”
Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli
“What makes him special? He has a mixture of physical talent and technical ability, as well as remarkable intelligence and above all a great passion for the game.”
Arsenal manager and mentor Arsene Wenger
“I’ve seen most things in this league in the last 25 years. I haven’t seen anything like him!”
Commentator Andy Gray
“The word ‘great’ is overused but in Thierry’s case it is absolutely true.”
Former Scottish goalkeeper Bob Wilson
“People say he doesn’t score a lot of goals with his head, but does he really have to with the ability he has in his feet? He makes spectacular goals look easy. His technique is fantastic.”
Former English captain Alan Shearer
“Thierry is the best striker in the world. By far he’s the best in the world. Thierry doesn’t just score goals. Even when he’s not having a good day he can make an important pass. He is a strong character. If things go wrong, he bounces straight back. His effect on the club is very big.”
Former France and Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira
“There is only one word to describe Henry—a nightmare. He is one of the best strikers in the world and a kind of player a goalkeeper doesn’t want to face.”
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini
“He can do things Ronaldo can’t. When he’s in the mood there’s no stopping him. He is like no other striker.”
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith
“With Thierry Henry, so many asked for his shirt that the club threatened to start making him pay for ones he gave away! I can’t imagine why somebody wouldn’t want my shirt over Thierry’s.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Martin Keown
“I tell my kids in the Academy at Newcastle to watch Henry. He plays with such a swagger, not an arrogance, and that is a great quality. He always looks so comfortable. You talk about cars going from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds, and he is like that. He just explodes. I could sit there for hours and watch him.”
Former English striker Peter Beardsley
“Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognizable soccer players over the past fifteen years. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner.”
New York Red Bulls President Dietmar Beiersdorfer