New York’s greatest French import since the Stature of Liberty has made it official: Thierry Henry from the Red Bulls Monday morning via Facebook.
“The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn’t want it to distract from the progress of the team. I have immensely enjoyed my four and half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has made my time here so enjoyable,” Henry said.
“A special mention must go to the Red Bull fans who have supported this team through the good, the bad and the ugly times in the sun, rain and snow. You guys have really meant a lot to me and thank you for all your wonderful support.”
Henry arrived on July 14, 2010 on a 4 ½-year contract, and the 37-year-old star left as the club’s all-time leader in assists with 42 and second-highest goalscorer with 51. He captained the Red Bulls to their first and only major hardware, last year’s Supporter’s Shield for the best record in MLS, but fell short of winning an MLS Cup.
The Post had quoted Paris-based Red Bull Head of Global Football Gerard Houllier back in July saying Henry was likely to leave.
“Thierry Henry, an icon of the world’s game, has been a wonderful player for the New York Red Bulls and a major influence on the development of MLS,” said New York Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh, who has been reported to be leaving after this season as well.
“It has been a privilege to have watched Thierry’s illustrious career unfold since he was 17 years old, and it has been a particular joy to watch him, at close quarters, lead the New York Red Bulls over the last two seasons. We sincerely wish him all the best for his future.”
It’s unknown whether Henry will play elsewhere or retire, possibly taking a job as a pundit or a coach. With Henry gone, the club is expected to undergo a reboot in 2015.
With a four-year project having been built around Henry now at an end – and fellow Designated Player Tim Cahill’s return very much up in the air – the Red Bulls are expected to undergo a major philosophical overhaul this offseason, possibly focusing less on high-priced imports and more on building from within.
In 122 appearances for the Red Bulls, Henry set club records for game-winning goals (14) and game-winning assists (11), and was named the team’s MVP in 2012. He was an MLS All-Star four times (2011-2014), a Best XI pick in 2011 and 2012 and a finalist for league MVP in 2012.
But, despite the World Cup and Champions League winner leading the Red Bulls to the postseason in all five seasons, they lost in the conference semifinals the first four and were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday — despite Henry dishing out five assists in five playoff games this year.
“On behalf of the New York Red Bulls I would like to thank Thierry Henry for the incredible impact he has made on both our organization and the American soccer community as a whole,” said New York Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre. “He is truly one of the all-time great talents and will forever hold a special place within the organization’s history. We wish Thierry all the best for his future.”