Thierry Henry recently shared a defining moment from his career involving former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the conversation that convinced him to leave Juventus to join the Gunners, changing the course of his football career.
Thierry Henry recalls Juventus’ struggles
Reflecting on his brief spell at Juventus, he recalled a conversation with Wenger that showed him how poorly he was used within the structure of the Italian club.
The former player told Arsenal’s official website: ” A few years after Arsène left Monaco, he came to watch a match between Juventus and Udinese which I attended.
After the game I was flying back to Paris and he was on the same plane. He told me he had been to the game. We exchanged numbers and he told me he didn’t understand why I was playing on the wing. At the time I was actually playing as a full-back!
He told me I was wasting my time and that he remembered me as a number 9. He said it would be great if we could meet again, and the rest is history. ».
Thanks to that memorable flight and conversation, Thierry Henry joined Arsenal in the summer of 1999 for around €16.1 million, slightly more than the €12.5 million Juventus had spent to sign him from AS Monaco six months earlier. The move proved to be a turning point for the star and Arsenal.
Thierry Henry and Arsène Wenger make Arsenal history
Under Wenger, the former went from being a left-back to a prolific striker, scoring 228 goals and providing 97 assists in 377 games for the Gunners, becoming their all-time leading scorer.
Henry’s decision to join Arsenal not only revitalized his career, but also became a major event in the entire history of the Gunners and the Premier League.
His remarkable goals helped Arsenal win numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Thierry Henry’s influence has extended beyond his playing days as he remains a revered figure among Arsenal fans and living proof of the impact of club legend Wenger’s vision and guidance.
