Thierry Henry has decided to end his stint in the United States' Major League Soccer competition and will walk away from the New York Red Bulls at the end of his contract.
Henry, 37, joined the MLS club in 2010 following a successful playing career in Europe, where he was an integral part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side and won the 2009 Champions League with Barcelona.
The former France international, a member of Les Bleus’ triumphant 1998 World Cup-winning squad, revealed he would now “take the next few weeks to reflect” before deciding on his next career move after the Red Bulls’ MLS Cup campaign ended with a 4-3 aggregate defeat to rivals New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship play-off.
“I am taking this opportunity to announce that unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New
“The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn’t want it to distract from the progress of the team.
“I have immensely enjoyed my four-and-a-half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has
made my time here so enjoyable.
“I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career.”
Henry has retained close links with Arsenal, where he is the club record scorer, and trained with the Premier League club before a brief loan spell during January 2012.
Speaking ahead of yesterday’s announcement, Henry hinted during an interview with L’Equipe he could be interested in a future
coaching role with the Gunners.
“I have not taken any decision and speculation is not my thing. One thing is certain: I will stay in football, as a coach, a consultant or executive. We will see,” he said.
“The second certainty is that I would love to see Arsenal win the Champions League. Whether that is from near or far does not depend on me, but it is sure I’d like to help.
“This is my club and, as a player, I was not able to give them the Champions League.”
