It’s finally confirmed. He’s passed the medical and all and is officially a Barcelona player. And as an Arsenal fan, I’m disappointed to hear it. But well, I trust Henry and I do believe it was a tough decision. And I don’t blame him for making the choice of leaving. He’s an Arsenal legend and deserves huge respect and applause for all he’s done. I just want to take the opportunity to give credit to the player.

Off the pitch, he’s been an inspiration. He’s one of the foremost players in campaigns against racism. And his interviews are always a breath of fresh air. Refreshingly honest and charismatic. One who always pursues excellence and never settles for what he has, always aiming for better.

But on the pitch is where he realy shined. 226 goals and 82 assists in 364 games. 3rd all-time Premiership scorer. That’s a phenomenal record. And yet the stats only tell half the story. Henry is a brilliant player who I believe really revolutionized football, especially English football. I don’t think there was anyone before him who played the way he did. A striker constantly drifting out to the wing, with the ability to beat defenders with his blazing pace, and a great finisher. He was the first of a type of player which is a lot more common nowadays (Walcott, Reyes, Babel, Van Persie, etc are all players who play in a similar style). And yet he possessed a genius that those youngsters don’t have (at least not yet). He is really one of a kind. And that’s what made him such a brilliant player. He played in a style that nobody expected, something that nobody had seen before, and it set him apart.

So here’s to Thierry Henry – a great player, and a true legend. A revolutionary, unique, one of a kind person who inspired both on and off the pitch. I wish him all the best at Barcelona.