Thierry Henry
hasn’t written an autobiography of his own - so Phillipe Auclair’s comprehensive account of his life and career fills the void quite nicely. This
isn’t a book which hero-worships Henry, and Auclair isn’t afraid to be
critical.
There is a whole chapter devoted to the aftermath of Henry’s handball against the Republic of Ireland in the November 2009 World Cup qualifier, and another on the French implosion at the subsequent World Cup in South Africa. Henry didn’t cover himself in glory in either event.
There is a whole chapter devoted to the aftermath of Henry’s handball against the Republic of Ireland in the November 2009 World Cup qualifier, and another on the French implosion at the subsequent World Cup in South Africa. Henry didn’t cover himself in glory in either event.
But Auclair also
takes a wonderfully in-depth look at Henry’s upbringing - in particular the
influence of his father - and at his sensational career. It’s easy to forget
that Henry won the World Cup with France at just 20.
Henry’s remarkable
achievements at Arsenal are of course analysed in some detail. After a
disappointing spell with Juventus, Arsene Wenger brought his fellow Frenchman
to Highbury and set about convincing him that he could flourish as a striker at
the top level. After a slow start, Henry of course went on to break pretty much every Arsenal goal
scoring record going, as well as being the focal point of the Invincibles in
2003-04.
Essential reading
for Arsenal fans.
Thierry Henry - Lonely at the Top by Philippe Auclair is available from Amazon.
You can read more about Thierry Henry on the Nostalgic Gooner blog.