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Thierry Henry proves his critics wrong
Graham Hunter26 May 2009
Thierry Henry has warned Manchester United that he has fallen in love with football again and is aiming to finish the season on a high by helping Barcelona to a Treble.
The former Arsenal striker has scored 25 goals this season as the Spaniards claimed a domestic League and Cup Double. His positive onfield demeanour has been a far cry from 12 months ago when the 31-year-old admitted he wanted to return to London because he had not settled at the Nou Camp.
Now, with the Barcelona fans firmly behind him, he wants to end United's recent domination of Europe in the Champions League Final in Rome's Olympic Stadium.
“I've definitely changed opinions about me this season,” he told Standard Sport. “Now I feel the affection of the Nou Camp fans, compared to the really tough times with our home crowd on occasions last year.
“I like that people question me, I use that to motivate myself and try to prove them wrong.”
Henry has been struggling to overcome a knee injury picked up in the 6-2 win over Real Madrid at the beginning of the month. He trained alongside Andres Iniesta, who has a hamstring problem, yesterday and both are confident of being fit for the showpiece occasion.
More than 30,000 United fans are expected to travel to the game have been warned by Rome officials today that fake tickets are in circulation.
Police chief Giuseppe Caruso said a huge security operation involving 1,500 police is taking place to counter the threat posed by local Ultra hooligans from Roma and Lazio and that no alcohol is on sale anywhere in the citycentre until after the game.
He said: “We would also ask bars and shops not to sell alcohol to anyone who is already drunk as this in itself is a breach of the law.”
Reader views (13)
Well I'll be going with Barca even if they did rob us of a final spot. Like all right minded football fans outside of Salford, Surrey and Hampshire I loathe United.
I realise this is not objective and rational but who can love their overweaning arrogance and manipulation of the rules. Great football team, nasty people.
- Kerry, Purley, 27/05/2009 15:45
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Every last one of you must support Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal, you sad, sad, losers. Never mind, maybe you will be able to qualify next year. Though, of course, I expect Man U will want to win 3 in a row. I wonder who you will support in the World Cup if we qualify, not England obviously.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 27/05/2009 14:25
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Barcelona, of course.
- M. Platini., Paris, 27/05/2009 13:53
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A tough choice, a team that doesn't deserve to be there or Man Utd.
- Jason Martin, London, England, 27/05/2009 13:10
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Rogan, Irving. Perhaps if Man Utd played with a little more respect and did not have players looking to get the other team sent off people might enjoy watching them.
Turning to football facts; Barcelona are owned by their supporters (unlike U.S owned Man U) and Barcelona have by far the best attack force within any other club in the world (including national sides). I hope the real Barcelona turn up tonight and show the world how good they are and give us an enjoyable end to the season and cream the maoning mancs
- Gary, Brentwood, 27/05/2009 10:52
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No doubt Man Utd will grub out a win, with Ronnie Ronaldo remaining anonymous as he does in all big games.
Outplayed by Bayern, saved by John Terrys slip - what stroke of good forune will give them the title this time.
A good side? Probably. A great side? Not on your life.
- Barry, Hertford England, 27/05/2009 08:03
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The usual anti-ManU drivel, I see.
For the tribal loyalists sulking because their team didn't do as well as Manchester this season I'd like to point out that it is SPORT. It is for ENJOYMENT. Is it important for local pride and prestige? Of course it is. But snide comments hoping a team loses no matter who they are playing rather than choosing a team they want to win on merit is a pitiful reflection on all but one of the commenters so far.
Looks like the only honest and reasoned response was from John, London. Well done mate - there's hope for football yet.
- Rogan, Irving, 26/05/2009 21:58
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Man U are the last team I would like to see win.
Except for Liverpool of course.
- Tom Halpin, London, 26/05/2009 19:26
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ABU = Anything But United.
Would love to see the GUNNER GALACTICO sink 'em.
- Undercover Elephant, Dole Farm, Crays Hill, Essex, 26/05/2009 18:27
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The Spanish side of course.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK, 26/05/2009 17:18
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I support anyone who plays against ManU. Wonder how many times the ref will be compromised by Ronald McDonalds failure to stay on his feet - Must be the great big clown shoes fergie sends him out in.
Thierry Henry is a top man and team player
- Gary, Brentwood, 26/05/2009 16:50
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I'm torn between who to support for the final: ManU, an English team, or Barcelona with Henry - a player I like and admire far more than any in the ManU line-up.
Come on Henry I think!
- John, London, 26/05/2009 15:08
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Catalans for me, I cannot stand the images of MU OAP manager with his mouth full of gum or whatever and open/speaking at same time. Was he never taught manners?
- Mike, London England, 26/05/2009 14:44
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