Arsenal FC

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Barca seal Henry deal

25 Jun 2007 - 17:17:14

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Barcelona have completed the signing of Arsenal striker Thierry Henry with the France international moving to the Catalan giants in a £16millon deal after passing a medical on Monday.

The 29-year-old has penned a four-year deal at the Camp Nou and is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his career.

"It is incredible. I am looking forward to playing in the Camp Nou and helping the team in every way I can," Henry told Barcelona's official website.

"It means a lot to come here and play with some of the best players in the world.

"It is an honour to be here and I am sure I will represent Barcelona the best I can.

"Barca is more than a club. Everybody knows about Barca. The most important thing that has made me come is the way Barca plays, the fans and the support they give.

"Without good fans it is difficult to have a good team and vice-versa. Their style of play is very attractive and has attracted me."

Barca vice-president Ferran Soriano is delighted to have finally signed a player that he wanted to bring to the Camp Nou last summer.

He told the BBC: "This extraordinary player has expressed that he liked our club for months.

"The actual deal was discussed on Friday and over the weekend."

Henry said his reason for leaving the Gunners only 12 months after penning a long-term deal with the club was the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein and the doubts about Arsene Wenger's future.

"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," he added.

"Unfortunately and understandably, he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal, which finishes at the end of the coming season.

"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein."

Henry moved to Arsenal in a £10.5million deal from Juventus eight years ago, making 369 first-team appearances for the club and finding the net on 226 occasions.