Thierry Henry has disclosed the genuine motivation behind his departure from Arsenal in 2007, insisting it was not about money. The French striker left the Gunners for Barcelona in a £16 million transfer after an eight-year spell that saw him become the club's all-time leading scorer with 226 goals in 370 appearances.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, Henry explained that his decision was driven by a desire to compete at the highest level. 'Competing is above everything,' he said. 'I love, love, love, love, love, love Arsenal, but competing is above everything for me – especially competing in training.'
The 48-year-old revealed that he even took a pay cut to join Barcelona, contradicting the widespread belief that he was lured by a lucrative contract. 'I didn't know if I was going to start. I was excited. I was told I wasn't going to start,' he added. 'Competing is everything – when I don't compete, I'm not the same.'
Henry's move to Barcelona initially saw him struggle for consistency, but he soon formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o. The trio scored over 100 goals combined in the 2008-09 season, helping Barcelona secure a historic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
Henry netted 49 goals in three seasons for Barcelona before moving to New York Red Bulls in 2010. He remains an Arsenal legend, having won two Premier League titles and played a key role in the Invincibles squad of 2003-04.
