Soccer Buzz

It just doesn’t seem real.

Thierry Henry has passed a physical yesterday, thus completing his move to Barcelona. He has appeared in front of fans and the media in a Barca shirt, pledging that he will give everything to the club.

But it still doesn’t seem real.

Henry had stated on many occasions how much he loved being at Arsenal, even going as far as to say that he would have signed a lifetime contract with them if offered. It’s not hard to see why. Arsenal offered him a new lease on life after struggling as a youngster at Juventus, he had a long standing relationship with manager Arsene Wenger, and he was adored by the fans. Henry even turned down a chance to join Barca last year after the Catalan club defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final, seemingly solidifying the belief that he would retire a Gunner.

Some things have changed since last year, however. The ouster of David Dein as vice chairman and Director of Football unsettled nearly everyone at the club, especially Wenger. Also, Henry may have simply realized that most of the players from the title winning sides of 2002 and 2004 have left the team, and many of these players were never truly replaced. Finally, from the club’s standpoint, Henry struggled with injuries last season, only appearing in seventeen games. Henry’s greatness cannot be questioned, but the club may fear that he is beginning to wear down. In the end, this is not a story of a player lying to his fans and stabbing them in the back. Henry truly did love Arsenal, but he could not foresee all of the changes that would occur in the future.

Now the question is if/who will Arsenal lineup as a replacement. Carlos Tevez could be available as he wouldn’t have to move far, and his form in the second half of the season for West Ham shows that he can succeed in the Premiership. Ajax striker Ryan Babel has said that he could see himself with Arsenal in the future, but he committed to staying in Amsterdam for at least one more season. Bobby McMahon with Fox Soccer Channel has noted that Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid is a possible target, especially since Arsenal can offer Jose Antonio Reyes as a part exchange.

Finally, the juiciest rumor is that of Nicolas Anelka. Anelka left Arsenal on probably the worst possible terms. With his sulking and his brothers trying to tear up his Arsenal contract, Anelka drew the ire of essentially everyone associated with the club. He has resurrected his career somewhat, but I just can’t see him being brought back. The scenario seems so far fetched that if he were to return, Arsenal fans, after seeing their hero leave them, would have to believe that Armageddon is upon us. But as we’ve all learned, never say never…

Thierry Henry, Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Arsene Wenger, David Bein, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Babel, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka