Henry To Leave Barcelona

29 Jun 2010

Spanish giants Barcelona have revealed that they have allowed striker Thierry Henry to leave the club by mutual consent.

Henry joined the club for £16 million from Arsenal three years ago after eight years at the North London club where he became a legend, scoring more goals for the Gunners than any other player and winning two league titles for Arsene Wenger's team.

His time at Barcelona was also extremely successful as the France international won two Spanish Leagues and the Champions League in 2009, defeating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the final.
The 32 year old has fallen out of favour with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at llate and was often overlooked last season, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pedro picked most of the time over the former Juventus man.

This came to a head in the unsuccessful Champions League semi final with Inter Milan when Guardiola preferred to put centre half Gerard Pique up front as a striker rather than call on Henry, waiting on the bench.

Henry's contract was supposed to end at the end of the coming season but due to him not being in the club's plans as they enter a new era with brand new President Sandro Rosell, he has reached an agreement with the club to terminate his contract early and find a new club.
Henry's most likely destination will be America and Major League Soccer as he has spoken of his wish to play there before his career ends and he has been linked with a move to the US fr a number of years now.

Barcelona director general Joan Oliver said: "It was a special position with the player and we have accepted.

"For Barca it is not a bad agreement because we avoid paying him next season."

Henry has just finished his World Cup campaign with France, who capitulated totally and went home without a win, Henry will be wishing to put this chapter of his life behind him and move onto his new club.
Barcelona are favourites to win the Champions League with bwin next season at 9/2 currently, with Stan James and Paddy Power offering 4/1 and 3/1 respectively.