In case you haven’t already heard, some guy named Terry Henry signed with the New York Red Bulls. Oh, my bad, that’s Thierry Henry. Big news. Henry’s former France teammate, Youri Djorkaeff, who played for the New York Metrostars, might be mad since he is no longer the most famous Frenchman to have played in New York. But pretty much everyone else can’t stop smiling and chugging Red Bull.
So what does Thierry Henry, the latest addition to our growing MLS family, have to say about finally arriving in his favorite city in the world?
It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship.
Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my team-mates and I will succeed.
Captivating stuff by the media team.
It’s an exciting time for MLS and for fans of soccer in the United States. But one quick word of caution before we proceed with this Henry business: Lower your expectations.
Remember David Beckham’s first encounter with MLS? It wasn’t pretty. Henry will certainly need some time to adjust to the league. The one thing going for him though is that he just came from the World Cup with France, a team that showed that they are capable of some rather unsightly soccer. So perhaps his adjustment period may not be as long as we expect. But seriously, give the man time. If we can give BP forever to stop the flow of oil into our oceans, I’m sure that we can give Henry a few extra days to adjust. And then you’re free to go after him … on July 22. That’s the day Henry will probably suit up against Tottenham Hotspur, which is a fitting first game given that it is a team he has single-handedly crushed on several occasions over the course of his illustrious career.
Irish fans, you’re not included in this. You, of course, are free to taunt immediately.
Welcome to America, Thierry!
