He went from best striker in the world to big-money flop, but the real Thierry Henry's back in his second season at Barca
Thierry Henry didn’t enjoy the easiest of times after leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007. The injuries which marred his final 18 months in North London meant he patently wasn’t match fit when he arrived in Catalonia, yet he was asked to play from the start to cover for the injured Samuel Eto’o.
The once exhilarating Frenchman cut a forlorn figure, complaining publicly that he was being played out of position and needed time to adjust to a new style of football. Added to difficulties in his private life was the realisation that he was no longer the main man for taking penalties and free-kicks.
Barça fans watching a faltering side wanted to love Henry, but remained underwhelmed, even with his respectable 19 goals in 47 games. Fortunately, he started season 2008/09 more like the player who scored 226 goals in eight years at Arsenal.
At his best, the world's most elegant footballer, he's out to prove there's life in the old dog yet.