End of an era... a dawn of destiny

There are no words to describe the brilliance of Thierry Henry in full flow. But I will try. It has been an immense pleasure watching this man play football since he arrived at the club in 1999. At the time I was very unconvinced by the player Wenger had brought in to effectively replace Nicolas Anelka. He just didnt look right. Or Wright. But how wrong was I.

Thierry Henry has been the beacon of the club and (perhaps the Premiership) for some time. In our darkest days we could always gloat that we have Henry.

But no more.

The Henry era has passed. And with it goes a striker, the likes of which we will never again see. He reinvented the position and served as the fulcrum for the "Arsenal style" of football. With Dennis Bergkamp he created a partnership the likes of which the Premiership had never before seen. Trophy after trophy. Award after award. Thierry Henry set a new standard for flair in this country with pace, power, vision and cold blooded finishing.

But unlike Bergkamp, not for Henry is a gentle decline from first team to impact substitute with the club that brought him his reputation. With the 17th of August nearing and with it the 30th birthday of Henry, a decision had to be made. And Thierry Henry spoke to Arsene Wenger about his desire to move on. And play for Barcelona. And Wenger agreed. This man has been a legend for us and for him to desire a move to another club with which to spend his 30s really is something with which we can have no issue. We should wish him all the best in his pursuits.

And move on.

Wenger has again taken a massive gamble. Henry had three years left on a contract he signed last year. We held all the cards here including not near needing the money. But I think Wenger was more than correct to understand and heed the wishes of his captain. But let's be clear. Never is Arsene Wenger more dangerous than when forced into a transfer. Overmars begat Pires. Anelka begat Henry. Cole begat Gallas. Henry begat? Some are saying Torres in a part exchange for Reyes. I'm not sure. As it stands Robin Van Persie becomes absolutely critical for the club. In Van Persie we now place the pressure of scoring goals for the club.... Torres or no Torres. But a frontline of Van Persie, Adebayor, Walcott and Bendtner is not experienced enough for my taste. And with the Henry money... the Reyes money... the Muamba money... the Aliadiere money (as well as Stokes, Larsson and others)... we MUST bring in a forward or two to improve both the wide areas and the hole left by a player I think is the best in the world.

Au revoir Titi. Thanks for all the memories, mate.