Blowing the senses

It's a bit weird, isn't it. You log onto Arse.com and on the front page is a shot of a certain Thierry henry holding the European Cup. In his Barcelona shirt. I said on the blog yesterday that I'd be happy for Thierry to win it, especially because of who Barcelona were playing, and I am. But to see him in that shirt - the shirt of the club that inflicted such heartache on us only three years ago - on our official website is, indeed, "bittersweet".

Anyway, Barcelona were thoroughly deserving of their win, likewise I can't think of a footballer more deserving of winning the Champions League than Henry. I looked for him as Barca went up for their medals, but must have missed him in the multitude of aerial and long shots the director chose to cut to. I did catch him at the back of the group with a smile as wide as I've ever seen. Perhaps it represents a certain salve from the "disappointment" of 2006. I have to say, I feared for him when his shot hit Van der Saar in the nuts at 1-0. But history did not repeat itself, thanks largely to the magic of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi. Interesting to note how our young side was berated for "giving up" at what was essentially 3-0 down in the Champions League semi final. Well, United seemed to give up at 1-0 after 10 minutes yesterday, even with leaders like Giggs, Ferdinand et al in the team. They had no answer to a superior side. See? Sometimes, it does happen.

I spent a few minutes discussing the merits of Wrighty versus Thierry yesterday afternoon with Randall and Mo. It occurs to me today that if Wrighty was to be compared with anyone in the modern game, surely it is Samuel Eto'o. On the Thierry v Wrighty thing, Thierry was obviously a better footballer, but if I had to choose one of the two to go 1 v 1 for my life, it would have to be Ian WrightWrightWright.

I digress.

Le Boss has been talking about his decision to let Thierry go to Barca, saying that after years of stellar service, he felt he could not deny Thierry his chance at more silverware. He also reckons Thierry might have made a difference to our league title challenge last season. I would say that he may well have done, but given the season he had for us before that one, not to mention the season he actually had in Cataluña, he probably wouldn't have done. I'd still have him back though, if only he wanted to come...

I watched the game last night on Sky Sports, as all right thinking football fans who have the ability to do so, would have, not for us the lowest common denominator approach of ITV. It was funny to hear Andy Gray and Jamie Redknapp waxing lyrical about Xavi and Iniesta, though not surprising given their performances. It did leave me with an unfortunate mental image of Louise, in her best negligie (bear with me, that's not the unfortunate bit) lying in bed, "Come on, Jamie!", meanwhile Mr Redknapp, in the privacy of his bathroom, loosens those too tight trousers, gets the tissues and wet towel ready and gets busy with the latest issue of FC Barcelona monthly... "What's that noise Jamie? Are you having an asthma attack?"

Moving swiftly on, there is absolutely no news on Robin van Persie's contract extension. Is no news really good news? And Theo Walcott is set to spend his summer running around for the England under 21s, with Keiran Gibbs newly called up (well done Keiran) and for the seniors too. It'll probably be ok, but doesn't leave him much time for a rest before pre season begins. I read an interesting article with Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert, where he talked about the differences in training and physical conditioning between clubs and country as being one very good reason for why so many injuries seem to happen on international duty. Given how specific our training seems to be, that could certainly be why we seem to suffer from most and it doesn't bode well for Theo's early season availability. Of course, by then Tomas Rosicky could actually be fit, so it might not matter so much.

Well, it could happen, couldn't it?

User Comments

Little Tim

Posted on 30 May, 2009 at 09:59 AM - Reply

What Le Boss didn't mention was that Thierry was going through his marital troubles at the time and clearly needed to get the hell out of London Town. However, unlike Hleb (who didn't even make the bench on Wednesday) and Flamini, Henry's genuine quality has led him to even greater success. So we shouldn't really resent the picture of him in a Barcelona shirt. He'll always be a great memory in Arsenal colours.

Sonny

Posted on 29 May, 2009 at 11:03 PM - Reply

Thats exactly how I'd describe it.. bittersweet

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