FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.06.2007 16:53

Henry: "My welcome was crazy"

Sandra Sarmiento

Thierry Henry has explained how overwhelmed he was by the incredible reception that he received during his presentation as an FC Barcelona earlier this week. The French international also explained why he opted to move to Camp Nou.

In an exclusive interview with Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, Henry spoke openly about his thoughts on being met by so many people in the Barça stadium and said that it was an unforgettable day. Having grown up watching the Blaugrana, the new signing also named a few of his favourite players from the club’s past.

What have your first impressions been on the welcome that you have received at Camp Nou?

"I think that I will remember this day for the rest of my life. It has been very special. I knew that there would be a few people, but I was surprised when I turned around and saw all those people, really amazed. I even felt a little ashamed. Do not take that the wrong way, it was truly incredible. It also made me realise the size of this club."

Have you ever experienced anything like that before in football?

"No, to be honest. Just for me, coming to a new place. When I have been with other teams, part of the squad, when have won a trophy or something, then the fans have come out and shown you their support. But this welcome for only me has been a huge shock."

Do you now realise that the fans have a new idol?

"I can only try to do my job well and that is to play football. Sometimes I can do that and other times I cannot, but that is part of the game. When I was presented I quickly began to realise what the people here are expecting. The welcome was absolutely crazy. I will always be thankful to the Barcelona fans that came along to see me being presented. I have come here to try and help Barça win titles, but I have never seen myself as an idol. It has been a magnificent day."

You have said that one of the reasons that you chose to join FC Barcelona was because of the style of play. How long have you admired the way that Barça play?

"For as long as I can remember. It was a long time ago that I first saw them. I think that Barça is the only team in the world that has not varied their style of play over time. They play attractively and always go out to attack and to try and score...that is what the fans want to see. That is the reason why everyone knows about FC Barcelona. It is simply great to watch when you are on the outside and, fortunately, I am now here and can see it from the inside. Perhaps that is one of the most important aspects for me; that Barça are great to watch."

Who have been your favourite players at FC Barcelona?

"I don't know. There are so many. I could say Cruyff or Maradona, but I remember when I was 14 or 15 I really liked watching Hristo Stoichkov and Romario. The team that you watch when you are growing up is the one that you always remember more vividly than any other. Also the season that Ronaldo was here. Then there is Luis Enrique, (Josep) Guardiola; really, there are so many."

The forward line at FC Barcelona already contains players such Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. Do you have the feeling that you will have to work hard to earn a place?

"Before coming here I knew very well what to expect and how things would go. It is normal that a club like Barça have these types of players. It will be a decision for the coach to make about which players are chosen. One of the most important things is that we work as a team to move forward so tat the club can win trophies. At the end of the day, although is it true that people remember specific players, they remember the team's victories more. If you win, then afterwards people think about the players. I think that the most important thing is that Barça wins, independently of who plays."

Thuram has said that there is no other club in the world to match the forward line that Barça will have this season. Do you agree with that?

"Yes, I agree. It is not a great thing to say as I will play up front. The most important thing is that we are capable of playing as a team. As regards to the quality, I do not think that there is any doubt about that. It will also be a basic thing that whoever plays up front has to help out the defence and the midfield, which is key to winning games. It is great to play attractive football, which I enjoy a lot, but we also have to make life easy for the rest of the team. When you see the names of every member of this squad, which now includes mine, it should strike fear into the opposition."

Have you talked to Lilian Thuram since arriving? What did you say to him?

"I have not talked to him since arriving, but before I came I did. I also spoke to Ronaldinho, Gio (Van Bronckhorst) and they all told me the same thing: 'If you have the chance to play for Barça, do not think about it; do it'. When someone says something that clearly to you, there is little else to be said. Thuram is one of the greatest players in the team, like he has been in so many teams. He has a lot of experience and he told me the same thing. I have certainly paid attention."

You have said that you have come to Barcelona to learn. What does someone like Thierry Henry need to learn?

"What I said shows how I like to live life. Now I am here I can say that I know lot about the club from the outside, but not from the inside. I think that when one joins a new club you have to watch and listen a lot. I am 29, almost 30, and do not know everything about the club. I need to talk to Carles Puyol, the captain, and also with Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Oleguer, (Andrés) Iniesta and Xavi; players that have been here for many years. They are the ones that have to teach to the best way to adapt in a simple manner. People that have been here a long time have to be respected. When you come to a new club these are the people to go to."