Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has opened up about his decision to leave the club in 2007, insisting that his move to Barcelona was not motivated by money. The French striker, who scored 226 goals in 370 appearances for the Gunners, took a pay cut to join the Catalan giants.
Henry's Love for Arsenal
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, Henry admitted his deep affection for Arsenal but emphasized that his desire to compete outweighed everything else. 'I love, love, love, love, love, love Arsenal, but competing is above everything for me – especially competing in training,' he said.
The Pay Cut Revelation
Henry revealed that he accepted a wage reduction to join Barcelona, surprising Ferdinand who had assumed the move was financially driven. 'I didn't know if I was going to start. I was excited. I was told I wasn't going to start... Competing is everything – when I don't compete, I'm not the same,' Henry explained.
Success at Barcelona
After a slow start, Henry formed a lethal partnership with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o, scoring 49 goals in three seasons and winning a historic treble in 2008-09, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
Henry's move to Barcelona for £16 million ended his eight-year stint at Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles and was a key member of the Invincibles squad.
