Thierry Henry says Arsenal are the first, second, and third team in his heart, despite his spells with the likes of AS Monaco and FC Barcelona.
CBS Sports styled Arsenal’s midweek clash with AS Monaco as the “Thierry Henry derby”, with the former striker having represented both teams on the pitch during his time as a player.
But when pushed on which of the two teams were the club of his heart, Henry gave a diplomatic but emphatic answer.
“Monaco gave me an opportunity…to become what I became,” Henry began. “And then obviously they gave me an opportunity as a coach. So I have mad respect for Monaco and that’s always going to be the case.
“But Arsenal is where my heart is. And that will never change.”
Henry was then asked whether Monaco or Barcelona would be his “number two” team, and he answered: “Number two? Arsenal. Three? Arsenal.
“In Spain, [it’s] Barcelona. Monaco will always be my team in France. But Arsenal is Arsenal.”
Henry spent five years with Monaco as a senior player and three with Barcelona, but he racked up eight with the Gunners in north London, matching the other two combined and becoming Arsenal’s record goalscorer.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that’s where he feels the strongest connection.
Henry will have been pleased to see Arsenal coming out as 3-0 winners on the night, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and assisting another goal.
The Frenchman has previously suggested that Saka is his favourite player, saying: “I have a soft spot for him, he’s my favourite player. He’s been there for a long time. He is so nice.
“The evolution of his game is just outstanding because he used to be lively, [then] difficult to defend against, to assists, to goals, to now goals and assists, taking pens…”
All in all, Wednesday night must have been a pretty enjoyable one for Henry.