Personal success

France's Henry nears end of 'best season'

PARIS (Reuters) -- Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, France's inspiration in the Confederations Cup, believes this has been his best season.

"On a personal level, yes, it's my best season," Henry said in an interview published on Sunday, the day of the final between France and Cameroon.

"I've scored 40 odd goals, but my biggest satisfaction is my 23 decisive passes (assists) in the (English Premier League) championship that's for sure," he told L'Equipe sports daily.

Henry, who has scored 41 goals in all competitions this season, is only one goal short of David Trezeguet's tally of 22 for France, the best record among active players.

Asked if it was his objective to overtake his friend and former Monaco teammate, Henry said: "Okay, I want to go down in history but in a normal way, if it's got to come it will come.

"I didn't get here by telling myself 'I've got to catch up with David'."

Players' award

Henry, who was voted the English player of the year by the players and writers, scored the last of his 41 goals in France's 3-2 victory over Turkey in the Confederations Cup semifinal in Paris on Thursday.

The match was being played shortly after the news broke from Lyon that Cameroon's Marc-Vivien Foe had collapsed during the other semifinal and died shortly afterwards.

Henry pointed his finger to the heavens after opening the scoring in the 11th minute.

"It was just to dedicate the goal to him (Foe). It was the only thing I could do," Henry said.

He said he did not want to talk about the death of a player he had met numerous times in club matches in France and England "out of respect for his family and loved ones. I can't find the words."

Henry said he was happy but a bit surprised at the rapturous receptions and adulation he had received from France's fans at all three Confederations Cup stadiums.

The Arsenal player has taken on the mantle of Zinedine Zidane as France's top player in the tournament in the absence of the Real Madrid playmaker.

Henry said there had not been the same reaction in 2000 after a very good season that included the UEFA Cup final with Arsenal and winning the European championship with France.

He said: "Here, it's happening just like that and I'm very happy, not at all blase, just a bit surprised; surprised but content."

 

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