So thats that then. Arguably, the greatest footballer of all time in the English Premier League leaves Arsenal for Barcelona after 8 years in front. Whilst it is sad, not devastating though. Its not good for Arsenal at the present moment, because they needed a player of his calibre (in terms of his knowledge of the club and most importantly, the stature that he has constructed through his on-field exploits) given the team's situation in the past season. But was he capable of being 'that' player - No; and therefore it is good for Arsenal. With this move, it is clear that Theirry Henry realises that he cannot be 'that' player.Reports suggest that Wenger has again sold a player at the right time yet again. Am not so sure of that, as the club would have got more money a season or 2 earlier I would think (esp, looking back on the value that he provided us in that time) - but that move would have quickened the chaos that has engulfed the team towards the end of last season. And in which it is firmly ensconced in at the moment.
His record at the club has been fantastic and more importantly, his playing style earned him standing ovations on away trips. Which not many of the greatest players can ever boast of. A great individual player, who provided ample evidence of his class. And it is easy to declare that he is indeed the Michael Holding of strikers - a big big complement.
However, whats become clearer to me with this entire saga of Henry and Arsenal (over the past two seasons) is that only a few have it in them to lead a team. Be it a corporate set up or a sports team. A good leader (successful or not) should put the team before oneself - which is nothing new in thought, but much more difficult (which I know very well now) to put in practice given the money and the distorted sense of self-worth that seem to prevalent these days. A sign of the Pop Culture times that is currently very integral to everyday life.
Henry would probably emerge as Pop Culture icon in the years to come - like the Che Guevara T-shirt he wore to the World Footballer of the Year Awards in December 2004 (picture above). Talking of his admiration of Che, Henry said,"He's a man that I admire for what he did. Simple as that." Which kind of describes of how Henry would like himself to be admired as - an inspiring individual. But how important is one's contribution to the greater good to be admired for? Like his idol, it appears not very much.
Who the fuck honestly cares about that? For some fucking reason, to me it does.
Much as everything else, football is all about money, alternate prospects and short-term ambitions. A contract with a club tests the same level of loyalty that you and I are expected to show the organisation we work with. Very little that is. Its an open market, and one moves on based on one's personal compulsions. But the romanticism of sport, makes it hard for fans to accept. Such is life.
And I suppose, big players moving on from Arsenal is something that will continue to happen - given the present philosophy of the Club - bringing in players regardless of their passports and consistent abhorrence to consciously blood English players at ridiculous prices.
Where does this leave Arsenal for the upcoming season? Nobody knows. Will it be the same, or worse than the previous season? Fuck knows. Will Wenger stay for more than a season? He doesnt know himself apparently. Will Wenger fashion a miraculous season with silverware acquisitions through some astute signings? A bit too much to expect, no? Will the present set-up show more maturity? I think the exit of Thierry Henry should ensure that.
Am sure there will be signings before the season kicks off. Will it be the Sagna or Kioski variety? I hope not. Three names that I would like are:
1. David Villa (Striker - Valencia)
2. Morten Gamst Pedersen (Left Midfield - Blackburn)
3. Carlos Tevez (Midfield - West Ham)
Lets see how it goes.
As a farewell gift, Henry provided this photo-op in what turned out to be his last one for Arsenal. Thank you; Good Night and Good Luck, Thierry.
