Thierry Henry may be headed toward another memorable moment in his unparalleled career, but he took time out from the New York Red Bulls run through MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T, recently to speak about perhaps his seminal achievement that just reached its 10-year anniversary.
In an interview with BBC World’s Football Focus, the Red Bulls attacker discussed Arsenal’s famed unbeaten season – ending the 2003-04 Premier League season undefeated with 26 wins and 12 draws. Henry also spoke about the increasing popularity of MLS and the twilight of his career.
“Key for me was the all-togetherness,” Henry said of that Arsenal team. “… What I liked about that team was the unselfishness of everybody. Everybody was willing to give the ball to the guy in the better position. The generosity of that team was outstanding, and we always wanted to share with each other. And that’s something that is pretty rare.”
He said he believes it’s possible for another team to accomplish the feat, which has only been done one other time, by Preston North End in the late-19th century. Currently, Chelsea have nine wins and two draws through 11 games.
“When you win, it does help,” he said. “And [Chelsea] are winning. They are winning, so obviously you get more confidence. You get that momentum that you like, and you feel like you can’t lose.”
On more present-day topics, Henry was asked whether he sees MLS’ popularity growing after the World Cup. Henry said that has helped but also that the league is growing regardless.
“There is an indication about the game,” he said. “I don’t know, where it gets lost in translation sometimes, but there is an indication, and people do recognize quality.”
Of course, Henry, who is now in his 20th professional season, was asked about his mindset and whether he still enjoys playing.
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“I just try to play,” he said. “The desire is always the same; sometimes the end product is not. That’s just the way it is. Even when I was with Arsenal or Barcelona or France, you always want to perform, but sometimes in games it doesn’t always happen. My approach of the game was, is and will always be the same. Whether I play in MLS or La Liga or wherever, I just want to win and perform.”
But is it hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since “The Invincibles?”
“No, and yes,” he said. “I say yes because at the end of the games I actually can believe because I’m more tired than I used to be, so I can believe it’s been 10 years. It’s kind of weird how people still talk about it.”
