Merci Titi - France and Arsenal legend Henry announces his retirement

Yes I realize that Titi played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bull, but I think it is safe to say the legendary forward is best known for his time at Arsenal and playing for Les Bleus. It came as no surprise as Henry announced his retirement from football today. So what to make of the French national team all time leading scorer? There have been a number of articles written about how Titi will never be appreciated in his homeland of France, read one of the latest ones here. And there is some element of truth in that statement.

His first issue was he played for France at the same time as a certain Zidane. Hard to command the limelight when one of the greatest players of all time is on the field with you. But I think there is something deeper to this. Unlike his days at Arsenal, Henry rarely took over games for Les Bleus. Yes he is the all time leading goal scorer for Les Bleus with 51 goals in 123 appearances. However strange as this may sound - the only goal I truly remember was the one in the 2006 World Cup 1/4 finals against Brazil from a Zidane free kick. But otherwise it feels like the other 50 goals were...empty. Sounds ridiculous, I realize. But I clearly remember Zidane's brace in the 1998 World

Not what one wants as their defining moment

Cup final, Trezeguet's winner in the 2000 European Cup finals, Wiltord's equalizer in the same game, Blanc's goal against Paraguay in the 1998 World Cup, Platini's winner against Portugal in 1982...I can go on for a while before I get to Henry's memorable strike. I might argue that Ribery's goal against Spain in 2006 was the bigger goal of that tournament for France.

I remember speaking with my father before the 2006 World Cup finals and we both agreed that Henry had to step up - take over the game. Unfortunately he didn't and almost had to come out within the first 5 minutes after a collision early on with an Italian defender.  It could be argued that had Henry stayed in the game, he would have taken a penalty kick before Trezeguet. But I digress. The one defining moment for Henry might be the "hand of frog." When he deliberately handled the ball to allow him to cross to Gallas who scored the equalizing goal and allowed France to defeat Ireland in the 2010 World Cup playoff.

Henry deserves to be in the discussion of greatest players in French national team history. To me Platini, Zidane and Kopa are at the top of that podium. But Henry and his 51 goals has to be the in conversation as one of the all time greats. Top 10 yes....top 5 maybe. Unfortunately, unlike those mentioned, he did not have a defining moment in his career...at least not a positive one since I do not think the "hand of frog" is the type of defining moment you want.

While Henry might not get the accolades he deserves back in France, he remains one of the all time greatest. Watching him at the heights of his power for Arsenal was something amazing to watch. And I know the 51 goals was not empty for Les Bleus.

Merci Titi.

Henry scores...direct from a corner

You tend to see these goals on the playground or in a Sunday Pug League game...not at the professional level. A piece of skill and beauty by the Frenchman.

Wonderful story on titi

Good article in the NYT about Titi Henry and his time in New York - click here. Wonderful description of how one of France's greatest soccer stars lives his life and enjoys the Big Apple. What is the most interesting part is how Titi is viewed and how he views his life...all outside of France and Paris. There have been many stories and rumors floating around as to why Henry is loved in England, Spain and the rest of the world but not in his native France. Strange for a player that is the all time leading scorer for the French national team!

Titi Henry - back at home

I realize I am a bit behind, but watching the highlights of the Arsenal v Leeds FA Cup game brought back some warm and fuzzy feelings about Arsenal and when Titi Henry was the dominate striker in the Premier League:

Does Henry have another run in him for Arsenal? Maybe. When he first moved to Barcelona he found success playing in a 4-3-3 but soon found himself on the substitutes bench as the younger players took their spots with Barca. Titi then went to his retirement home in New York with Red Bull of the MLS...ooops sorry was that a low blow to the MLS?? I did watch a few games of Red Bull in the MLS, Henry still had the skill but seemed to lack to the desire, at times he appeared to be just going through the motions. I think Henry still has something left in the tank. I think that deep down inside Titi would rather be playing in Europe than in the MLS. I am not foolish enough to think that Henry could come back to Arsenal and start stringing together 90 minute games; however, I do think he could be a valuable asset to Arsenal as a substitute and spot starter.


I hope Henry continues to have success over the next two months for Arsenal, part of me hopes he makes this a permanent move. Seeing him in the red strip is almost as natural as seeing him in the France kit!

Titi frustated...come back to Europe!

Recent rant from French striker  - Titi Henry - about playing in the MLS, click here to read. Based on the article, the two areas of concern for Henry - the playing surface and the media requirements. For the first rant, not a surprise. I understand why MLS teams play on the turf, they share stadiums with their American football counterparts. While we have made great strides in field turf, it still is not grass! I think all outdoor sports should be played on NATURAL grass. I realize that the new field turf is better than the old astro turf and is starting to mimic natural grass...but it still mimics, why not just have the real thing??? I can hear teams complain, "well in the cold, the snow, the rain and the difficult conditions, field turf is better." Okay I get that, and for the NFL that makes some sense, the playing surface does not impact the ball, but in soccer the ball spends its time on that surface. It changes the game. It impacts the players. Get rid of it for soccer.

As for the media complaint, I am sure that Henry is just venting. The reality is he is not being treated as a star as he was used to at Arsenal or Barcelona. So instead of being able to do what he wants post match, he has to sit down and answer questions from a 21 year old reporter from the New York Daily News....

Titi has a long way to go on his contract with Red Bull (another 4 years). Unlike Beckham, I do not think that Titi really views himself as a footballing ambassador. Maybe we will see Titi coming back to Europe and why not back to Ligue 1? Teams such as PSG or Bordeaux could do worse than adding the veteran to their rosters. Maybe even the likes of Lille could try to lure Henry back.

Reviens en France Titi!

Where have all the French forwards gone?

Henry, Trezeguet, Anelka, Cisse, Saha...an impressive list of strikers. And before you mock the inclusions of Cisse and Saha let us not forget what Saha was doing with Fulham and then Manchester United or the fact that prior to Cisse suffering horrific leg breaks he was one of the most sought after strikers in the world. Some of the goals he scored for Auxerre were absurd and he has lead two domestic leagues as top scorer. What is interesting is that Henry, Trezeguet and Anelka all came up together. The first two making the 1998 World Cup winning squad with the latter being a late cut from the squad.

And since 1998, France have had the luxury of being able to call on this talented pool of strikers. However today it appears Les Bleus have the opposite problem. With the international retirement of both Henry and Anelka, the age of Trezeguet and Saha, and finally the off again on again form from Cisse, Blanc does not appear to have options that Les Bleus otherwise took for granted. Players like Le Tallec, Sinama Pongolle, Aliadiere and Gomis were suppose to provide some fresh blood to the strike force. All have shown some potential but none have come close to the hype.

Even the supposed new golden boy - Benzema - has failed to impress recently struggling at both club and country level to approach the expectations that he established while at Lyon. He is still young - only 22 - so all is not lost. But one has to say that so far he has not lived up to what is clearly enormous potential. It is somewhat disconcerting that your #1 striker is a 10 - 15 minute substitute for his club.

None of the other strikers would be mistaken for Henry or Trezeguet in their prime:

• Gameiro - nice player with good pace. But not sure he is a world class international level striker.
• Hoarau - won a Ligue 2 scoring title had a great first season with PSG but has struggled with injuries and form. His recent showings for Les Bleus have been useful, but not top notch.
• Remy - always compared to Henry, which we should stop doing. A nice player with great pace and good finishing, a real option coming in from a wide position. But again, not sure he has become a top class international striker.
• Payet - The inform striker in Ligue 1, although he and St Etienne have cooled off recently, another good striker with pace but appears to better fit the late game substitute than a 90 minute striker.

All of these strikers are young - under 26 - and bring different strengths to the table, however none stand out based on form for either club nor country. Interesting that all 4 listed above still play in Ligue 1....

This is what makes international football so interesting, or frustrating to some like Gooner. Unlike at Arsenal or PSG or Real Madrid, you cannot simply go out and acquire players to fill needs, you have to do what you can with the available national talent. Clearly Les Bleus have the opposite problem when it comes to defensive midfielders: M'Vila, ADiarra, LDiarra, Matuidi, Toulalan, Flamini and Mavuba - have all been called upon to hold up the defensive responsibilities for Les Bleus. Clearly a wealth of options. Even left back - Abidal, Evra and Clichy. Or look at Argentina - Messi, Higuain, Tevez, Milito and Aguero were the striker options at the World Cup - ridiculous depth and talent, yet they could not find serviceable right and left fullbacks!

Clearly international sides have to deal with the talent that comes through the ranks and cannot simply purchase for need. France is dealing with this right now, how to replace the likes of Henry and Trezeguet up front. The cupboard is not bare by any stretch but when you no longer have the services of two of Les Bleus' all time scorers, the task is much more daunting. There is some help on the horizon in the likes of Kakuta, Sunu and Griezmann who have all shown great potential for the U19 squad. However players like N'Gog and Obertan will need to step up soon and integrate with the current crop of forwards waiting for the Kakuta generation to fulfill their potential.

A bright future, but still questions remain for the near term.

Aurevoir Titi - Merci pour tous ces grands moments

Today Thierry Henry announced he will be retiring from International Football. Not exactly a surprise. Many wondered if he would even be going to South Africa at all, so his withdrawal from the International scene is what we all expected. So we will never see TH14 wearing the #12 stripe from Les Bleus. His recent signing with New York Red Bull will be a final chapter in what has been a prolific playing career. He has graced the pitches in the biggest leagues of the domestic game and played with some of the most historic sides: Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona. I cannot, even as

a Frenchman, put Monaco in that category! His statistics speak for themselves, for a while at Arsenal he was arguably the most dangerous striker on the planet. With Les Bleus he earned 123 caps and scored 51 times...the latter making him the leading goal scorer of all time for France. I will always remember him as a 20 year old striker playing for France at the 1998 World Cup and the fact that he and Trezeguet (also 20 at the time) both took spot kicks in the 1/4 PK shoot out against Italy (which France won that time!). He and Trezegol then formed a lethal strike partnership for Les Bleus both strikers piling up the tallies. Henry and France would, 2 years later, add a European Championship to their trophy case. He would reach another World Cup final, in 2006 and overall played in 4 World Cups and 3 European Championships - winning one of each and getting a runner up in the World Cup.

With his retirement from France as well as Pat Vieira's announced earlier this month, the next French squad that takes the pitch on August 11th will have no World Champions on the roster. Granted they will have a World Champion managing the team in Laurent Blanc. However this marks a turning point for Les Bleus, until now there has always been a link with the team that lifted the trophy in Paris. For better or worse, those expectations and that experience has permeated the French side. Now the team has a chance to, as the ad says, write its own history. With the debacle in South Africa fresh in our minds, no better time than now to take step in a new and positive direction.

Henry you have been a great player and ambassador when wearing the France kit. I realize that many will focus on the "hand of Gaul" when speaking of you, while that is part of the history, it is only part. The greater sum is one of a world class player. A player that I have been fortunate enough to have watched.

Merci Titi!

Titi Henry coming soon to a MLS pitch near you!

So the worst kept secret - Titi Henry is coming to the MLS signing with Red Bull New York. Of course this has lost some of its luster after the "Hand of Gaul" coupled with France's debacle at the World Cup makes the Henry glow much less bright. Which I think might not be a bad thing for the former Barcelona man. Why? Unlike when Golden Balls arrived in LA from Real Madrid, coupled with massive promotional fanfare and hoopla, this signing has been rather quiet. Granted, Henry does not have the same marketing halo that Beckham brings along. However on the international scene, Henry has had a similar level of success, arguably more at some points. He is the leading goal scorer for his nation with 51 goals, has won the Champions League, FA Cup, EPL, World Cup and European Cup. For a few seasons he was the most dangerous striker in England maybe all of the soccer world.



So now Titi will take his talents and goal scoring ability to the MLS without the fanfare one might have otherwise expected. Which is a good thing, he will not have the inflated expectations that surrounded Beckham. Nor will Henry have to live up to untenable expectations. Granted it will not be a picnic...I am sure he will bear some of the Irish fans' ire during his matches as well as being a target for MLS players trying to make names for themselves - similar to what Becks goes through! Henry will most likely not walk on the pitch and score 25 goals nor make mazy runs nor hit volleys from 30 yards, but he still has enough in his legs to form a formidable partnership with Angel spearheading the Red Bull attack.

It will be interesting to see how Henry does in the MLS. I think he will be a productive player, will have moments of brilliance and he will be a good spokesperson for the game. Hopefully he will have a chance to rebuild his image, that took a hit in South Africa.

Les Bleus are dead long live Les Bleus! Turning the page...

We will now be subject to all the spin control from the players of the French National Team. Starting tonight with Henry on the Grand Journal and Abidal on TF1, it will be interesting to see if they are asked tough questions, doubtful and what spin they put on this entire fiasco. Patrice Evra is also rumored to be planning a public interview as well. A good blog post for Sport24 argues that if, the perpetrators of the mutiny are going to speak, then the players that tried to do the right thing - Lloris, Gourcuff, Sagna to name three - need to also speaking their mind.

However I would argue, allow the guilty parties to make their cases in public. I think the French supporters know who is to blame in this situation from the players point of view. Those that were not active participants should stay above the fray, do not get embroiled in a who said what did what airing in public. Allow Laurent Blanc to come in on July 1st and take care of the situation.

Laurent Blanc, needs to sit down with his players individually and figure out what really happened, at least try to piece enough of the puzzle to get a good sense of what transpired. Then he needs to tell his team. "That was the past, it was unacceptable but it was not under my watch so I will not punish you for it. However, if I get a sense that any of that has carried over, you will be dealt with swiftly and severely. There is a new sheriff in town so behave." He should confront some of the main perpetrators individual and tell them - what you did was reprehensible if I call you up for the team you will follow my rules and if you do not, I will find a replacement for you. No one is bigger than the team."

It will be interesting to hear what is said over the air waves. If it is true that Henry was one of the ring leaders, then is is a truly sad day. The all time leading scorer and one of France's greatest players would go out in shame - hand ball against Ireland and then this, not a good way to end one's international career.

France v Mexico - must win for both nations

Both France and Mexico head into this match knowing that Uruguay have one foot into the next round after a resounding 3-0 victory over the hosts, while South Africa look to be the first host nation not to make the knock out stage. So heading into the game the standings look as follows -

Group A

Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Uruguay	2	1	1	0	3	0	4
Mexico	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
France	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
South Africa	2	0	1	1	1	4	1

With Uruguay at top with 4 points and just as importantly - a positive 3 goals for both El Tri and Les Bleus realize that they need to win otherwise the last day will be made that much more complicated. Granted a draw will keep everything in play for both nations going into their last match. There is a small advantage for France, why? They face South Africa, while it is never easy facing the host nation, with only a point from 2 games baring a minor miracle the hosts will just be playing for pride. While Uruguay and Mexico will both be chasing a win, regardless of what happens today. Here are the scenarios: Mexico v France end in a draw - Uruguay are top of group for last game with 4 pts, France and Mexico at 2 points. The Uru v Mex game will be huge since they can both expect Fra to defeat RSA and therefore have 5 points. Uruguay could go for the draw and hope that France do not have more than a 3 goal victory so Uruguay could hope to finish top of group. Mexico would need to push for the victory to top Uruguay and go through. France victory - Uru and Fra top with 4 points, Mex at 1pt. Mexico versus Uruguay match would be paramount for El Tri, since a Mexican victory by a large enough margin would get them over Uruguay, France would only need a draw to be guaranteed a spot but would look for a victory to avoid a possible match up against Argentina. Mexico victory - Similar scenario as above except swap France and Mexico. Mex - Uru would both only need a draw to go through, the only question is who has a better goal difference. Again ending top of the group would avoid facing Argentina in the next stage so most likely Mexico would be looking for a win (as bad as France are, I doubt Mexico will win 3-0). France would hope that the game does not end in a draw and that they can get a large enough victory to sneak in on goal difference. Bottom line, regardless of what happens today, the last game day will be very important for all 4 nations. Should be interesting. Of course the pressure is more on Les Bleus, no surprise there. This game will either give Les Bleus a spring to their step or will put so much pressure on France that they might wilt in the final game versus the hosts. Add to this scenario the internal strife that is rumored to be ravaging the French camp, who knows what to expect today. Based on the latest reports we might expect the following formation - Lloris Sagna - Abidal - Gallas - Evra Diaby - Toulalan Malouda - Ribery - Govou Anelka Anelka might slot in place of Govou allowing Henry to play the point, regardless it appears the biggest victim of the latest putsch is Gourcuff. With Ribery potentially slotting it he middle of the park it will be interesting to see if the Bayern man can play the #10 role. He claimed earlier in the club season to be open to such a move, not sure testing this out in game #2 of the World Cup is the most intelligent move...then again we are talking about Domenech. Of course I am not sure why you would roll out Govou once again who has been completely ineffective on the right wing especially when you have options - Valbeuna or at worse Anelka. France will be most likely facing a 3-4-3 which might open up some space at the back for the French attack. We shall see. I have my optimist hat on so I think Les Bleus will emerge victorious 2-0. goals from Ribery and Malouda.

French tragedy - et tu brute?

The word out of the France camp is that Domenech has succumbed to pressure from the veterans and they are going to stick with the 4-2-3-1. The tragic part is that Gourcuff, apparently, has been forced to the bench and in his place the Malouda - Ribery - Anlka middle 3 with Henry up front has been "preferred." According to the Sport24.com blog, this was done more via politicking rather than sound tactics and strategy.

What the commentator contends is that there has been a mini-coup inside the French camp. The veterans: Abidal, Gallas, Ribery and Malouda all lobbied, successfully it would appear, to get Henry back on the pitch as a starter to the detriment of Gourcuff. If there is any element of truth to this statement, and there definitely has been plenty of smoke around that fire, it is a sad element to this World Cup. Further indication of the complete lack of leadership exhibited by Domenech. There have been rumors that in training the team is about to implode - players refuse to speak to one another, do not pass to specific teammates, Gallas giving the silent treatment after being passed over for captain (even though he was vice-captain) and there is an overall malaise blanketing the team. Again, take those reports with a grain of salt, but many times where there is smoke there is at least a small camp fire. Throw into the mix the rumor that Domenech went to Barcelona to tell Henry that he would not be a starter but if he was okay with that and wanted to come he would be selected for the squad....really?  I respect a manager being open with his players, but to ask whether or not he wanted to come? Either you have a use for the player or not. You communicate with the player telling him how you want to use him and that is it. I did not realize the national team was open to Athens style debating.

So the inmates are running the asylum...not really a surprise. Reading these stories makes me sad and angry at the same time. Every national side is full of egos, every player that plays for countries such as France are superstars in their own right, yet only for France do the players seem to run amok. If half of these stories are true, part of me hopes Les Bleus crash out of this World Cup so we can turn the keys over to Laurent Blanc, who will have a huge task, but he clearly has more backbone than Domenech. I think Blanc will know how to instill the right system, select the right players and control the egos - he cannot be worse than Domenech!

I can no longer blame Domenech, he is limited by his stubbornness and complete lack of ability. I have to blame the FFF and Escalettes for keeping Inspector Clouseau on this long as the manager. You reap what you sow.