Henry the latest superstar to cross the Atlantic for League One-standard football

First it was Beckham, then, albeit on a lesser scale in terms of coverage, Freddie Ljundberg. Now, another Premier League great has joined the MLS in the shape of Thierry Henry. At 33 and having been demoted to a bit-part role in a tremendous Barcelona side, it is easy to understand why the Frenchman has decided for pastures new. But surely a player of his pedigree could have found a two year contract at a top European outfit to see out his days at the highest possible standard. Indeed, three-quarters of the Premier League would have welcomed such a talent with outstretched arms and a big bag of gold to have Henry’s name on their teamsheet.

But it seems that he’s been listening to Jay-Z harping on about the bright lights of New York too much, and has instead chosen to end his career in a league which boasts a standard of football on par with what we offer in the second and third tiers of our game. Having played alongside the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi for the past three seasons, the Red Bulls’ (imagine that type of blatant corporation becoming a part of the Premier League in the near future? I can…) current star player is none other than Juan Pablo Angel, last seen sulking around VIlla Park. Not to mention Carl Johnson, a player who won the Championship on two occasions but could never press his Premiership credentials.

In fairness to the player, perhaps the lure of what the Americans have called a ‘multi-year contract’ has been a key factor, granting him the power to prolong his career for as long as he sees fit. And of course, the money can’t have helped either. But he is one of only two ‘designated players’, individuals who may be hired on wages above the salary cap, meaning he shouldn’t be expecting any more superstars to follow him into the team shortly. In other words, he is head and shoulders above the rest of the side and will be playing alongside and against players of a far less ability.

Football, and sport in general, is all about striving to compete with the best, but it seems Thierry Henry has brought an end to this chapter in an illustrious career to chase the money train for one last time.