Thierry Henry has lastly shared the actual cause behind his determination to depart Arsenal and be part of Barcelona in 2007.
Talking on the Stick with Soccer podcast (h/t ), the French legend defined that it was all about stepping out of his consolation zone and difficult himself on the highest stage.
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Regardless that Barcelona already had a few of the largest names in soccer, specifically, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Samuel Eto’o, Henry didn’t hesitate to affix them.
“I wanted a brand new problem. I wished to get out of my consolation zone,” he stated.
“Frank Rijkaard informed me I’d have to start out on the bench as a result of the entrance three had been already world-class. However I informed him I nonetheless wished to return. I wished to battle for my place.”
Leaving consolation for development
For Henry, staying at Arsenal, the place he was the undisputed star, would have been the simple alternative. However he craved development.
“I want challenges. I’d somewhat compete day by day than sit comfortably figuring out my place is protected.
“At Barcelona, I needed to relearn the right way to play, adapt to a brand new system, and show myself another time.”
Thierry Henry was a part of the legendary Barcelona staff beneath Pep Guardiola. (Photograph by Denis Doyle/Getty Photographs)
His transfer to Spain got here throughout a troublesome interval in his private life. “I used to be injured, going by means of a divorce, and needed to be taught a brand new language and magnificence of play,” Henry recalled.
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“No person cared about that, and that’s the way it must be. If you arrive at a membership like Barça, they’ve simply received the Champions League.
“They have a look at you and assume, ‘What are you going to deliver?’ They don’t hand something to you, as it’s important to earn it.”
Proving himself on the highest stage
Henry admitted that adjusting to life in Barcelona was not simple, however he understood the problem he had signed up for.
“You’re the brand new man. You’ve by no means received the Champions League, and now you’re in a staff that simply did. It’s regular for them to count on you to show your self.”
Regardless of the challenges, Henry’s time at Barcelona paid off. He ultimately grew to become an essential a part of Pep Guardiola’s legendary staff and helped the membership win a number of trophies, together with the Champions League in 2009.
By stepping out of his consolation zone, Henry didn’t simply develop as a participant, he additionally proved he belonged on the very prime of world soccer.