NEW YORK – The New York Red Bulls made it official on Wednesday: French superstar Thierry Henry is now on the books.
Rumors and teasers from the club long indicated that the former Barcelona and Arsenal attacker would join New York, but the official announcement came only today.
The 32-year-old Henry, whose storied career includes winning the World Cup in 1998, the European Championship in 2000, the Champions League in 2008 and five domestic titles in France, England and Spain, will make his debut for the Red Bulls on Thursday, July 22, when the Big Apple club face EPL side Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclay's New York Challenge.
WATCH: Henry Interview
“It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognizable soccer players over the past 15 years,” said Dietmar Beiersdorfer, head of Red Bull Global Soccer. “We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner.”
In addition to his club success, Henry has received his fair share of personal accolades. He was twice named EPL Player of the Year, twice won the European Golden Boot and twice runner-up in the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award.
“This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life,” Henry said. “It is an honor 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 teammates and I will succeed.”
Henry will be introduced at a press conference on Thursday, July 15, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., at 1:15 p.m. The press conference will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
READ: HENRY'S IMPACT ON NY
BUY: Tickets to Henry's First Game in Chicago on Sunday, August 8th
